Author: David Diersen

The opinions that I express in GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails are based on experience that I have gained doing many things since 1948. I base my opinions on what I learned a) working for the federal government for almost 30 years -- Post Office 1966-1969, IRS 1971-1980, and GAO 1980-1997, serving on the Executive Committee of the Association of Government Accountants Chicago Chapter 1983-1996, and being a union member while I worked for the Post Office and IRS; b) earning an MBA from Loyola in 1976, a masters degree in accounting from DePaul in 1980, and a masters degree in financial markets and trading from IIT in 1997; c) passing the CPA examination on my first attempt in 1979 and passing the Certified Internal Auditor examination on my first attempt in 1981; c) serving as a Republican Precinct Committeeman since 1999, the GOPUSA Illinois Editor since 2000, the TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois Chairman 2005-2012, a member of the 2008 Illinois Republican Party (IRP) Platform and Resolutions Committee, a Wheaton Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee member 2003-2011, the Milton Township Republican Central Committee webmaster 2008-2010 and 2000-2004, an Illinois Center Right Coalition Steering Committee member 2003-2007, and an American Association of Political Consultants Midwest Chapter board member 2001-2004; d) attending the 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016 IRP State Conventions as a delegate; e) being the subject of a nasty 4-page article in the February 1978 issue of Money Magazine; f) pursing litigation including Diersen v. GAO and Diersen v. Chicago Car Exchange; g) being married since 1978; h) living in Crete 1948-1972, in University Park 1972-1976, in Chicago 1976-1978, and in DuPage County, Milton Township, and Wheaton since 1978; and i) being baptized, raised, and confirmed as a Missouri Synod Lutheran.

May 19 Morning Edition

ABC7
— Illinois gun sales surge amid coronavirus pandemic, shop owners say; upswing echoed nationwide – Chuck Goudie and Barb Markoff, Christine Tressel, and Ross Weidner
https://abc7chicago.com/covid-19-fuels-gun-sales-surge-in-illinois-and-nationwide-shop-owners-say/6194802/

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Talk of the County: Government assistance allows people to ‘spend all of the extra money on marijuana, alcohol, cigarettes and gambling’
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/opinion/ct-lns-talk-of-county-st-0520-20200518-qwdw56almzdejdqboy4dnjysue-story.html
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Southland colleges offer courses for cannabis industry job seekers and aspiring entrepreneurs – FRANCINE KNOWLES
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/opinion/ct-sta-knowles-column-st-0519-20200518-lnpxugzjnngefbn47l44lk2s6a-story.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: A Trump-hater says “Rushing to reopen the economy won’t help American workers — it will kill them.”
https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/ct-nyt-opinion-coronavirus-reopen-economy-workers-20200518-va75vbwvx5gkddihk5tfqv7zou-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Rep. Garcia urges Gov. J.B. Pritzker to ensure Illinois Hispanics are hired as contact tracers Garcia said, “Keep in mind, Governor, there is a body of these folks who are experienced, who people trust and they know how to knock on doors when it is safe to do so.”- Lynn Sweet (DIERSEN: GAO hired me in 1980 because it could not find a qualified Democrat, minority, female, younger person, or veteran who would take the job. IRS hired me in 1971 because it could not find a qualified Democrat, minority, female, or veteran who would take the job. The Post Office hired me in 1966 because it could not find a qualified Democrat, minority, female, or veteran who would take the job.)
https://chicago.suntimes.com/coronavirus/2020/5/18/21263129/rep-jesus-chuy-garcia-urges-gov-j-b-pritzker-to-hire-illinois-hispanic-contact-tracers
— Mike Ditka’s restaurant in Gold Coast is closing COVID-19 and a short-term lease are blamed for “the extremely difficult decision.” – Darel Jevens
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2020/5/18/21263210/ditkas-closes-restaurant-chicago-gold-coast-chestnut-mike

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— It’s time for Illinois to start rethinking ‘normal’ We cannot afford to hide from this virus forever. Living with it is our best hope, most likely for many months to come. And so, it is time for a new approach and, in some cases, to recalibrate our thinking. – Editorial
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/opinion/its-time-illinois-start-rethinking-normal

WBBM
— Top Mayoral Aide Says COVID-19 Pandemic To Cost Chicago ‘Probably In Excess Of $500 Million’ – KEITH JOHNSON
https://wbbm780.radio.com/articles/top-mayoral-aid-covid-19-to-cost-chicago-in-excess-of-500m

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— What to expect when legislature returns Wednesday – Kade Heather
https://www.sj-r.com/news/20200518/what-to-expect-when-legislature-returns-wednesday

BELLEVILLE NEWS DEMOCRAT
— Plummer accuses Pritzker of creating ‘autocracy’ – MIKE KOZIATEK AND HANA MUSLIC
https://www.bnd.com/news/coronavirus/article242803566.html

KANKAKEE DAILY JOURNAL
— Census outreach ‘incredibly stymied’ by COVID-19 pandemic – Jerry Nowicki
https://www.daily-journal.com/news/local/census-outreach-incredibly-stymied-by-covid-19-pandemic/article_05f91d08-98ed-11ea-86c6-13c6256917ec.html

SUBURBAN LIFE
— Pritzker to critics of emergency rule: Defying IDPH rules was already a misdemeanor IDPH: 59 more COVID-19 deaths, 2,294 new confirmed cases – SEAN HAMMOND
https://www.mysuburbanlife.com/2020/05/18/pritzker-to-critics-of-emergency-rule-defying-idph-rules-was-already-a-misdemeanor/am46rmh/

FOX ILLINOIS
— Businesses violating stay-at-home order could be cited, fined
https://foxillinois.com/news/local/businesses-violating-stay-at-home-order-could-be-cited-fined

NEWS CHANNEL 20
— Illinois Republicans upset with Gov. Pritzker’s power – Matt Roy (DIERSEN: If Rauner had done what Pritzker has done, the Democrats would have removed him from office by now.)
https://newschannel20.com/news/local/illinois-republicans-upset-with-gov-pritzkers-power

WSPY
— Illinois GOP Again Push to Remove Graduated Income Tax Amendment From November Ballot; Legislators Send Letter on Mental Health
http://www.wspynews.com/news/local/illinois-gop-again-push-to-remove-graduated-income-tax-amendment-from-november-ballot-legislators-send/article_fa1ae5c2-99d0-11ea-bb9f-23c3e0bae433.html

WEEK
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Ever-increasingly, Trump-haters promote hatred against those who do not hate Trump.
https://week.com/2020/05/19/theres-no-place-for-hatred-in-our-state-addressing-the-trend-at-reopen-illinois-rallies/

NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS INDEPENDENT
— Four Illinois counties to vote on secession from Chicago. What if they succeed? – Matthew Rago (DIERSEN: Do the leaders of your county want secession from Chicago or do they want to get rid of the county’s residents, organizations, companies, and governments that are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, non- poor, gun owners, German American, and/or those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time?)
https://neiuindependent.org/16823/opinions/four-illinois-counties-to-vote-on-secession-from-chicago-what-if-they-succeed/

WISCONSIN EXAMINER
— Trump’s defamation suits pose a chilling prospect for the press The eyes of the nation turn to Rhinelander, WI — population 7,632 – Bob Lewis (DIERSEN: In your municipal district, in your municipality, in your township, and in your county, who takes the lead in defaming people? I should write a book about those in Wheaton’s West District, Wheaton, Milton Township, and DuPage County who take the lead in defaming people. I would focus on those who have lots of religious, government, political, and/or financial clout. I would focus on those who paint themselves as being religious, conservative, and/or Republican to give themselves standing to defame those who are religious, conservatives, and/or Republican. Of course, they have their operatives and their dupes do their dirty work, so I would focus on them too.)
https://wisconsinexaminer.com/2020/04/27/trumps-defamation-suits-pose-a-chilling-prospect-for-the-press/

CHICAGO LAW BULLETIN
— FROM THE ARTICLE: 38 out of 177 lawmakers in the 101st Illinois General Assembly as attorneys.
https://www.chicagolawbulletin.com/getdoc/58ee96b1-7f43-4a61-afa5-e8b007b1f0d0/introducing-lawyers-in-the-legislature-20200515

ROBERT FEDER
— WIND’s Amy Jacobson barred from governor’s media briefings (DIERSEN: I do not claim to be impartial. I am conservative and I state that I am conservative. I am Republican and I state that I am Republican. It is called full disclosure. According to Democrats and to according RINOs, only those who claim to be impartial can be journalists or reporters. I should write a book about mainstream journalists and mainstream reporters who falsely claim to be impartial. They talk, act, and/or write like they are not only liberal and/or Democrat, but like they are anti-conservative and/or anti-Republican. Further, I should write a book about pot pushers who have lots of religious, government, political, and/or financial clout in DuPage County who sided with other pot pushers against me when I spoke out against pot at a DuPage County Board meeting last year. They said that lobbyists cannot be journalists or reporters. They said that I was a lobbyist, and that therefore, I was not a journalist or a reporter, that is, they charged me with failing to register as a lobbyist with the State of Illinois. They know that by definition, lobbyists are paid to lobby and that I have never been paid to lobby. I should have sued them.)
https://www.robertfeder.com/2020/05/19/winds-amy-jacobson-barred-governors-media-briefings/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Jacobson’s participation prompted others in the media to question whether she had forfeited her standing as a journalist by becoming an advocate and activist. Capitol Fax editor Rich Miller wrote: “Give a speech at a rally and then expect to be treated like a reporter? Nope.” Chicago Tribune chief political reporter Rick Pearson tweeted: “And we are the ones accused of being ‘fake news.’” On Monday Pritzker’s press secretary, Jordan Abudayyeh, notified Jacobson that she was persona non grata. “This weekend you attended and spoke at a political rally to fire up the crowd opposing the Governor’s policies to combat COVID-19,” Abudayyeh wrote in an email Jacobson made public. “That rally was attended by people holding hateful Nazi imagery. An impartial journalist would not have attended that rally in that capacity and therefore you will no longer be invited to participate as an impartial journalist.” Jeff Reisman, regional vice president and general manager of AM 560 The Answer, questioned the decision and said he hoped Jacobson would be readmitted. “I am disappointed that the governor has decided to limit the scope of questions he receives from the media,” Reisman said. “Amy Jacobson has had a long career as a journalist in Chicago, and she has routinely been asking questions that AM 560’s listeners want to have answered. “In this time of uncertainty, I would hope that Gov. Pritzker and his staff would be more transparent and accountable to the people of Illinois. Picking and choosing which media outlets are allowed to ask questions creates the impression that Gov. Pritzker isn’t willing to answer difficult questions. I hope this decision would be reversed immediately and that Amy would be given access once again.” Muller also defended Jacobson, saying: “Why is it we have to agree with Governor Pritzker to ask him questions? . . . Regular people are hurting. That is who Amy and I speak with on our different radio shows. Pritzker allows no followup questions and no real questions from anyone but sycophants.” Jacobson has harshly criticized Pritzker’s handling of the shutdown and challenged the governor on why his family recently traveled from a home in Florida to one in Wisconsin in apparent violation of his statewide order. She said she plans to talk about the ban on Tuesday’s show. Before she joined the news/talk station in 2010, Jacobson worked for more than 10 years as a general assignment reporter at NBC-owned WMAQ-Channel 5.)

PRAIRIE STATE WIRE
— Pritzker bans AM 560’s Jacobson from daily press conferences, claims she isn’t “impartial” (DIERSEN: I do not claim to be impartial. I am conservative and I state that I am conservative. I am Republican and I state that I am Republican. It is called full disclosure. According to Democrats and to according RINOs, only those who claim to be impartial can be journalists or reporters. I should write a book about mainstream journalists and mainstream reporters who falsely claim to be impartial. They talk, act, and/or write like they are not only liberal and/or Democrat, but like they are anti-conservative and/or anti-Republican. Further, I should write a book about pot pushers who have lots of religious, government, political, and/or financial clout in DuPage County who sided with other pot pushers against me when I spoke out against pot at a DuPage County Board meeting last year. They said that lobbyists cannot be journalists or reporters. They said that I was a lobbyist and that therefore, I was not a journalist or a reporter, that is, they charged me with failing to register as a lobbyist with the State of Illinois. They know that by definition, lobbyists are paid to lobby and that I have never been paid to lobby. I should have sued them.)
https://prairiestatewire.com/stories/537599785-pritzker-bans-am-560-s-jacobson-from-daily-press-conferences-claims-she-isn-t-impartial
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Abudayyeh criticized Jacobson for her attendance at a downtown Chicago rally of Pritzker critics on Saturday. “This weekend you attended and spoke at a political rally to fire up the crowd in opposing the Governor’s policies to combat COVID-19,” Abudayyeh said. “An impartial journalist would not have attended that rally in that capacity and therefore you will no longer be invited to participate as an impartial journalist.”)

WIREPOINTS
— Trading at junk levels: Illinois borrowing costs 5 times higher than AAA-rated states – Ted Dabrowski and John Klingner
https://wirepoints.org/trading-at-junk-levels-illinois-borrowing-costs-5-times-higher-than-aaa-rated-states-wirepoints/

ILLINOIS LEAKS
— Pritzker bans AM 560’s Jacobson from daily press conferences, claims she isn’t “impartial” – JOHN KRAFT
https://edgarcountywatchdogs.com/2020/05/pritzker-bans-am-560s-jacobson-from-daily-press-conferences-claims-she-isnt-impartial/

CAPITOL FAX
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Republican-haters side with Republican-haters.
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/18/politicizing-grandstanding-and-twisting-the-facts/

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Nancy Pelosi: ‘Morbidly obese’ Trump shouldn’t be taking hydroxychloroquine – Victor Morton (DIERSEN: How soon, if not already, will laws be enacted that bar those who are older, those who are overweight, those who have health problems including diabetes, etc. from seeking or holding government or political offices?)
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/may/18/nancy-pelosi-donald-trump-morbidly-obese-shouldnt-/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Top White House staffers are working from home as West Wing coronavirus fears build – Katherine Doyle
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/top-white-house-staffers-are-working-from-home-as-west-wing-coronavirus-fears-build
— Polls Show Trump Holds Enthusiasm Edge Over Biden – Kimberly Ross
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/polls-show-one-huge-problem-for-the-biden-campaign

BREITBART
— Migration Advocates: Open the Borders to Asylum Seekers with Coronavirus – NEIL MUNRO
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2020/05/18/migration-advocates-open-the-borders-to-asylum-seekers-with-coronavirus/

CNS NEWS
— HEROES Act Would Benefit Murderers and Illegal Aliens – Hans Bader
https://cnsnews.com/commentary/hans-bader/heroes-act-would-benefit-murderers-and-illegal-aliens

DAILY SIGNAL
— A Proposed ‘Health Defense Operations’ Slush Fund Won’t Protect US From Future Pandemics – Romina Boccia
https://www.dailysignal.com/2020/05/18/a-proposed-health-defense-operations-slush-fund-wont-protect-us-from-future-pandemics/

PHYLLIS SCHLAFLY
— Feminists Use COVID-19 To Abolish The Family – Ed Martin
https://www.phyllisschlafly.com/family/feminists-use-covid-19-to-abolish-the-family/
— Restart Sports Without Gambling – John & Andy Schlafly
https://www.phyllisschlafly.com/featured-top/restart-sports-without-gambling/

LIFE SITE NEWS
— Facebook announces progress in developing AI to silence ‘hate speech’ The social media platform says it now detects and removes 88.8 percent of what it considers ‘hate speech.’ (DIERSEN: According to Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, and RINOs, everything is hate speech except for what they say, write, or bless.)
https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/facebook-announces-progress-in-developing-ai-to-silence-hate-speech
— Chicago Catholic group: Cupich’s plan to re-open churches is ‘betrayal of Christ’ Cardinal Cupich’s plan has ‘yielded the authority of the Church and subjugated the primacy of her worship to laws of man,’ they say. – Stephen Kokx
https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/chicago-catholic-group-blasts-cupichs-plan-to-re-open-churches-monstrous-betrayal-of-christ

NEWSGUARD
— Major Republican and Democratic campaign organizations are using shady “news” sites to spread political propaganda (DIERSEN: As everyone knows, he who pays the piper calls the tunes. As everyone knows, 100% of the time and the money needed to put GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails together and to send them out comes from me. Not one penny comes from the Republican National Committee, Illinois Republican Party, DuPage County Republican Central Committee, Milton Township Republican Organization, or any Republican candidate. I should write a book about efforts by the aforesaid and others a) to stop me from putting GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails together and sending them out and b) to stop everyone from reading the emails.)
https://www.newsguardtech.com/misinformation-monitor-may-2020/

THE HILL
— Biden: Trump’s coronavirus response has been ‘nakedly xenophobic’ – JONATHAN EASLEY (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, Democrats use coronavirus to demonize, denigrate, and condemn Republicans.)
https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/498350-biden-trumps-coronavirus-response-has-been-nakedly-xenophobic

HUFFINGTON POST
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump-haters promote hatred against Trump.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/lincoln-project-ad-trump-lie-die-covid-19_n_5ec34bebc5b6e7a7cb8fcf3c

MCCLATCHY NEWS DC
— Underfunded pensions make GOP leaders reluctant to send federal aid to states like California – DAVID LIGHTMAN
https://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-government/congress/article242761156.html

NEW YORK TIMES
— If Democrats Hold a Big Convention, Will Anybody Come? The Times interviewed 59 delegates who will help nominate Joe Biden. Most said they don’t want to risk their own health, or the health of others, by attending a full-scale convention in Milwaukee. – Reid J. Epstein (DIERSEN: What is the status of the Illinois Republican Party State Convention? How many delegates are there in total and from each county, township, and Chicago ward?)
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/18/us/politics/democratic-convention-virus.html
— Trump Threatens to Leave W.H.O. and Permanently End Funding The president said the organization had made missteps during the pandemic that “have been extremely costly for the world.” A claim he takes hydroxychloroquine was criticized by doctors.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/18/us/coronavirus-updates.html
— Virus Forces Conference Planners to Go Back to Go “No one really had this in their playbook,” one planner said. At the moment, there are more questions than answers on what business meetings will look like. – Martha C. White
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/18/business/coronavirus-business-travel-conferences.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Ever-increasingly, Trump-haters use coronavirus to demonize, denigrate, and condemn Trump supporters.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/18/opinion/coronavirus-reopen-workers.html
— FRONT PAGE: Freed by Court Ruling, Republicans Step Up Effort to Patrol Voting Officials seek to recruit 50,000 poll watchers and spend millions to fight voter fraud. Democrats say the real goal is to stop them from voting. – Michael Wines
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/18/us/Voting-republicans-trump.html
— Germany’s Coronavirus Protests: Anti-Vaxxers, Anticapitalists, Neo-Nazis The pandemic marginalized the far right, as Germans rallied behind Angela Merkel. But the reopening has brought them back, and they are preparing to seize new opportunities. – Katrin Bennhold
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/18/world/europe/coronavirus-germany-far-right.html
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD: Facing Adulthood With an Economic Disaster’s Lasting Scars Those entering the job market in a downturn may never catch up in pay, opportunities or confidence. – Eduardo Porter and David Yaffe-Bellany (DIERSEN: Democrats run the federal government. Will the federal government extend its promotion deadlines? If you are a federal employee who is Republican, White, male, and/or non-veteran, the federal government gets rid of you if you do not make GS-13 (currently $101,176) by age 25, GS-14 (currently $119,559) by age 30, GS-15 (currently $140,634) by age 35, and Senior Executive Service (currently $170,800) by age 40. Extremely few federal employees make the aforesaid promotion deadlines. It is called Affirmative Action, Diversity, Inclusion, patronage, political affiliation discrimination, reverse discrimination, age discrimination, and up-or-out.)
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/19/business/economy/coronavirus-young-old.html

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Why Does Reopening Polarize Us? The divide over lockdowns reflects deeper differences in attitudes about risk, liberty and morality. – Dan Crenshaw
https://www.wsj.com/articles/why-does-reopening-polarize-us-11589842995
— Why Coronavirus Increasingly Exacerbates the Red-Blue Divide Democratic states feel they aren’t getting the help they need from GOP senators, while Republican ones think they bear an unfair economic burden – Gerald F. Seib
https://www.wsj.com/articles/why-coronavirus-increasingly-exacerbates-the-red-blue-divide-11589810871
— Will a Face Mask Protect You? Maybe a little, but washing your hands and social distancing are far more effective. – Marc Siegel
https://www.wsj.com/articles/will-a-face-mask-protect-you-11589842953

FORBES
— COVID-19 Recession Projected To Cost Jobs For 22% Middle Income Older Workers, 15% Higher Income – Ted Knutson (DIERSEN: From what I see, ever-increasingly, businesses and organizations will use coronavirus to get rid of their employees and members who are older, obese, and/or who have health problems including diabetes.)
https://www.forbes.com/sites/tedknutson/2020/05/18/covid-19-recession-projected-to-cost-jobs-for-22-middle-income-older-workers-15-higher-income/#404273316206
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Ghilarducci says this recession is likely to hit older workers harder than economic downturns of the past because the widely publicized larger vulnerability of the aged to COVID-19 is going to increase age discrimination in hiring. She adds older workers are usually the first to get laid off and the last to be re-hired.)

BLOOMBERG
— Pritzker Finds Running Most-Troubled U.S. State Only Gets Harder – Shruti Singh
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-05-18/billionaire-s-fight-to-keep-illinois-from-junk-just-got-harder
— Investors Don’t Share Trump’s Scorn for Blue States Republican-dominated states lag in growth and debt performance. – Matthew A. Winkler (DIERSEN: What percent of investor money in America is controlled by the following: Foreigners, Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, RINOs, and Republicans?)
https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2020-05-18/coronavirus-economy-investors-don-t-share-trump-blue-state-scorn

GUARDIAN
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump-haters say “U.S. lockdown protests may have spread virus widely.”
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/may/18/lockdown-protests-spread-coronavirus-cellphone-data

FEDERAL NEWS NETWORK
— Coronavirus and career – Mike Causey (DIERSEN: I should write a book about those who demonize, denigrate, and condemn federal employees and federal retires. I was a federal employee for almost 30 years and I have been a federal retiree for almost 23 years. Many millions have not and will not seek a job with the federal government a) because the pay and benefits are terrible, b) because the advancement opportunities are terrible, c) because they lack required education, work experience, professional certifications, and/or professional licenses, d) because they cannot pass an employment examination, e) because they cannot pass a background investigation, f) because they cannot pass a physical examination, g) because they cannot take the demonization, denigration, and condemnation that comes with being a federal employee or federal retiree, and/or h) because they are Republican, White, male, older, and/or non-veteran and they know that the federal government discriminates against the aforesaid.)
https://federalnewsnetwork.com/mike-causey-federal-report/2020/05/coronavirus-and-career-the-a-rod-j-lo-rule/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: They say that the coronavirus is a threat, a deadly threat, to all of us regardless of who we are and where we live. That regardless of who we are, where we live and what we do, we are all in the same boat. And that’s true — up to a point. Then it isn’t anymore. And while we can’t pick our parents, decide our birth date or where we grow up — Bangladesh or Brooklyn — the career path we followed is very important. Especially when times get tough — like now — when having more money, which is almost always a good thing, is better than having little or none. Which is also true when times are good — having a good job or steady income is a good thing, now more than ever! And even if you believe that all of us are created equal, life teaches us that that doesn’t last long. While they face many of the same challenges we all do, some people are in a slightly better place at times like now.)

FED SMITH
— DISGUSTING, OUTRAGEOUS: No COLA in 2021? – Ralph R. Smith (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, the purchasing power of the following is dramatically reduced: my Civil Service Retirement System pension, my Social Security, and my retirement savings.)
https://www.fedsmith.com/2020/05/18/no-cola-2021/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: COLA Does Not Match Retiree Expense Increases Since 2000, Social Security COLAs have increased benefits by 53% but the prices of what retirees typically buy have increased by about 99.3%. Medicare premiums and out-of-pocket costs, housing costs, and homeowner’s insurance costs—have been the most rapidly-rising costs in the past year. So far in 2020, there has been a decrease of 0.27% in the third quarter of 2019 over the relevant Consumer Price Index used to calculate any COLA increase. As discussed in previous FedSmith articles, the Social Security COLA is based on the consumer-price index (CPI) for urban workers. Another CPI, known as CPI-E, tracks the spending of older Americans. The difference in these CPI measurements is largely in the cost of health care and housing. Medicare premiums and homeowners’ insurance often grow rapidly from year over year. The COLA adjustments do not take into account the larger percentage spent by older Americans on these expenses.)

May 18 Evening Edition

ABC7
— Republican and social justice leaders condemn anti-Semitic signs, rhetoric Pritzker protests – Ravi Baichwal
https://abc7chicago.com/reopening-illinois-illiois-coronavirus-stay-at-home-order-stay-at-home-protest/6194365/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Politicians were implored to denounce the anti-Semitism, and two leading state Republicans did so Monday. “There is no place for hatred in our state, and I will continue to speak out, as will members of my caucus, against hateful speech,” said State Senator Bill Brady. “I don’t support hate speech, though, so this doesn’t reflect the good people in the Republican party or Independents. They have nothing to do with us, and I would ask in the future that they stay home. We don’t need them,” said House Republican Leader Rep. Jim Durkin.)
— Coronavirus Illinois: COVID-19 cases top 96K with over 4K deaths
https://abc7chicago.com/society/illinois-covid-19-cases-top-96k-over-4k-deaths/6193714/
— Trump says he’s taking malaria drug hydroxychloroquine in case he gets coronavirus – AP
https://abc7chicago.com/health/trump-says-hes-taking-malaria-drug-in-case-he-gets-coronavirus/6193967/

NBC5
— Illinois Coronavirus Cases Surpass 95,000 With 2,294 New Cases Reported All four state healthcare regions remain within the limits prescribed by the governor’s phased reopening plan
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/illinois-coronavirus-cases-surpass-95000-with-2294-new-cases-reported/2274022/
— Much of Illinois is On Track to Enter Phase 3 at End of May, But What About Chicago? Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has unveiled different guidelines for the city
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/much-of-illinois-is-on-track-to-enter-phase-3-at-end-of-may-but-what-about-chicago/2273999/
— Chicago to Fine Churches That Held Services in Violation of Stay-at-Home Order Religious gatherings have been limited to 10 people under Gov. Pritzker’s stay-at-home order
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-to-fine-churches-that-held-services-in-violation-of-stay-at-home-order/2274089/

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— Illinois reports 59 more COVID-19 deaths Monday; 3rd straight day death toll under 100
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/illinois-reports-59-more-covid-19-deaths-monday-3rd-straight-day-death-toll-under-100

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Coronavirus in Illinois updates: Pritzker announces effort to ramp up contact tracing; 2,294 new known COVID-19 infections and 59 additional deaths reported
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-pandemic-chicago-illinois-news-20200518-ae3czc3hnzde3cbzfiub7xferi-story.html
— With a new, stricter grading system — plus warmer weather — Cook County is now getting a D on social distancing – Hal Dardick
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-social-distancing-grade-chicago-cook-county-20200518-eypxs3zrbffo7bqqvhmmmaekvq-story.html
— State legislators who defy the mask requirement should be barred from session – Eric Zorn
https://www.chicagotribune.com/columns/eric-zorn/ct-column-masks-general-assembly-zorn-20200518-d53w5dnqcrfgfhnjrtxy4c7nku-story.html
— Why churches, for now, should remain closed – Editorial
https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/editorials/ct-edit-churches-closed-coronavirus-chicago-cupich-20200518-qkcy6u4sgfdjdm7esi2bpo553u-story.html
— Illinois can safely start to reopen, if we follow these measures – ROBERT A. WEINSTEIN AND CORY FRANKLIN
https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/commentary/ct-opinion-coronavirus-next-steps-20200518-rkzohcal5rbgfkjrzhi7itkiwa-story.html
— Mayor Lightfoot, it’s time to reopen the lakefront – EDITORIAL
https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/editorials/ct-editorial-coronavirus-lakefront-reopen-lori-lightfoot-20200518-kwihu6c2cjhxlkuniz7chzhrom-story.html
— Business owners now face misdemeanor charge if they reopen in spite of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s stay-at-home order – JAMIE MUNKS and RICK PEARSON
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-illinois-pritzker-order-20200518-igdhoofobraevmmrquoqfjbw4a-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Putting his message where his mouth is? Downstate Republican hopes to make a point by not wearing mask Bailey said not wearing a mask is his way of making Democrats face facts. “These Chicago legislators are making more of a deal of wearing a mask in Springfield than they are about, you know, getting this $7.2 billion deficit that we’re staring at with our budget,” he said. – Neal Earley
https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2020/5/18/21262924/downstate-republican-mask-face-covering-bailey-madigan-durkin-halbrook-covid-19-coronavirus
— GOP: Graduated tax ‘cash grab’ will stifle pandemic recovery House Minority Leader Jim Durkin said this week’s special session in Springfield should consider dumping the plan to alter the state Constitution and discard the current flat-rate income tax. – AP
https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2020/5/18/21262849/gop-graduated-tax-cash-grab-will-stifle-pandemic-recovery
— Illinois reports 3rd straight day with fewer than 100 COVID-19 deaths (LIVE UPDATES) Here’s what we know today about the continuing spread of coronavirus and its ripple effects in Chicago and Illinois.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/essential-coronavirus-news/2020/5/18/21262093/latest-coronavirus-news-live-updates-chicago-illinois-2020
— Showdown looming over Pritzker’s stay-at-home order before skeptical downstate judge A Clay County judge, who is clearly opposed to the order, told lawyers the controversy “begs to be resolved. It’s got to be resolved in this court, and it’s going to be and it’s going to be resolved Friday.” – Jon Seidel
https://chicago.suntimes.com/coronavirus/2020/5/18/21262332/legal-showdown-stay-at-home-order-jb-pritzker-looming-downstate
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump-haters use coronavirus a) to promote illegal immigration and b) to demonize, denigrate, and condemn Trump.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2020/5/18/21260092/coronavirus-undocumented-chicago-grassroots-community-cash-relief-applications
— City looks at fines against churches that defied stay-home order “There were some churches that congregated in excess of the allowable number and we will be taking action as to those individuals and those churches,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Monday. – Fran Spielman
https://chicago.suntimes.com/coronavirus/2020/5/18/21262715/churches-stay-home-order-coronavirus-lightfoot-belmont-cragin
— Pandemic shutdown of Chicago economy to cost city ‘probably in excess of $500 million’ says top mayoral aide Mayor Lori Lightfoot has repeatedly refused to project the size of Chicago’s budget shortfall, but under questioning at Monday’s Finance Committee meeting, Chief Financial Officer Jennie Huang Bennett did just that. – Fran Spielman
https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2020/5/18/21262664/coronavirus-stay-home-shutdown-chicago-economy-cost
— A message to my fellow liberals: Working people are getting angrier and angrier It seems to be therapeutic to many of my friends to have their beliefs reinforced each night that anyone who complains about shutdowns is unintelligent or malevolent. – Richard J. Gonzalez
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2020/5/18/21262758/liberal-media-working-people-shutdown-unemployment-kent-college-richard-j-gonzalez-rachel-maddow

DAILY HERALD
— ‘I am not going to be anybody’s boogeyman’: DuPage sheriff says county is ready to reopen – Robert Sanchez
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200518/i-am-not-going-to-be-anybodys-boogeyman-dupage-sheriff-says-county-is-ready-to-reopen
— DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick’s Facebook message about Gov. Pritzker and COVID-19
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200518/dupage-county-sheriff-james-mendricks-facebook-message-about-gov-pritzker-and-covid-19

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— GOP leaders turn up heat on Pritzker’s ‘fair tax’ proposal Springfield Democrats are unlikely to heed a call to pull the proposed graduated income tax amendment off the November ballot, but Republicans smell a good issue. – GREG HINZ
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/greg-hinz-politics/gop-leaders-turn-heat-pritzkers-fair-tax-proposal
— Coronavirus will end the golden age for college towns These engines of regional growth will struggle with state funding cuts, fewer foreign students and destroyed household finances. – NOAH SMITH
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/opinion/coronavirus-will-end-golden-age-college-towns?utm_source=today-s-crain-s&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20200518&utm_content=article3-headline
— McDonald’s franchisees face steep costs to bring back dine-in One Illinois franchisee estimates it could cost $1,000 per day per restaurant in added expenses to reopen a dining room. – DALTON BARKER
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/restaurants/mcdonalds-franchisees-face-steep-costs-bring-back-dine
— AS THE DEMOCRAT PARTY’S STRANGLEHOLD ON ILLINOIS, ON COOK COUNTY, AND ON CHICAGO TIGHTENS: The economic tsunami effect of COVID-19 for Latinos here The disproportionate economic damage Latinos have suffered in addition to the tragic physical toll is a crisis within a crisis. It’s hurting the entire state. – SYLVIA PUENTE
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/opinion/economic-tsunami-effect-covid-19-latinos-here
— Pritzker defends new penalties for stores that break shutdown rules The punishments—up to a $2,500 fine and a year in jail—are needed to protect public health, the governor said, and are actually less severe than what the law had allowed. – GREG HINZ
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/greg-hinz-politics/pritzker-defends-new-penalties-stores-break-shutdown-rules

BLOOMINGTON PANTAGRAPH
— Illinois GOP seeks to remove graduated tax measure from ballot – JERRY NOWICKI
https://www.pantagraph.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/illinois-gop-seeks-to-remove-graduated-tax-measure-from-ballot/article_a81a19f8-e25b-5235-affd-bd94df894bc8.html

JOURNAL GAZETTE TIMES COURIER
— Business owners now face misdemeanor charge if they reopen in spite of Pritzker’s stay-at-home order – JAMIE MUNKS and RICK PEARSON
https://jg-tc.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/icymi-business-owners-now-face-misdemeanor-charge-if-they-reopen-in-spite-of-pritzker-s/article_7e3a165e-f2a2-5149-a5e1-6582f2b281ba.html

WAND
— Lawmakers announce resolution to withdraw income tax hike from Nov. ballot
https://www.wandtv.com/news/lawmakers-announce-resolution-to-withdraw-income-tax-hike-from-nov-ballot/article_5200b26c-9922-11ea-a723-97cf8d843747.html

NPR ILLINOIS
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Ever-increasingly, if you do not promote LGBTQ activity, Democrats and Democrat plants, Libertarians and Libertarian plants, Greens and Green plants, and RINOs demonize you, denigrate you, and condemn you.
https://www.nprillinois.org/post/home-not-safe-some-lgbtq-young-people-face-rejection-families-lockdown#stream/0

ILLINOIS LEAKS
— Bailey v. Pritzker: Summary Judgement Motion filed, hearing on Friday – KIRK ALLEN
https://edgarcountywatchdogs.com/2020/05/bailey-v-pritzker-summary-judgement-motion-filed-hearing-on-friday/
— Governor Pritzker’s nightmare – Executive Order power trumped by Illinois Supreme Court case law and Lisa Madigan written opinion – KIRK ALLEN
https://edgarcountywatchdogs.com/2020/05/governor-pritzkers-nightmare-executive-order-power-trumped-by-illinois-supreme-court-case-law-and-lisa-madigan-written-opinion/
— If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck…Pritzker legal case is crumbling in Darren Bailey lawsuit – KIRK ALLEN
https://edgarcountywatchdogs.com/2020/05/if-it-walks-like-a-duck-quacks-like-a-duck-pritzker-legal-case-is-crumbling-in-darren-bailey-lawsuit/

ILLINOIS FAMILY INSTITUTE
— Governor Pritzker Wants to Criminalize Lock-Down Opposition – David E. Smith
https://illinoisfamily.org/politics/governor-pritzker-wants-to-criminalize-lock-down-opposition/

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— WITH LEADERS LIKE THESE
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/with-leaders-like-these.html
— WHY DOES PRITZKER IGNORE PANDEMIC LAW FORMER STATE SENATOR BARACK OBAMA SPONSORED? – former State Senator Ed Petka
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/opinion-why-does-pritzker-ignore-pandemic-law-former-state-senator-barack-obama-sponsored.html
— 40% MORE LIKELY TO CONTINUE HOMESCHOOLING AFTER COVID SHUTDOWN ENDS
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/40-more-likely-to-continue-homeschooling-after-covid-shutdown-ends-.html

CAPITOL FAX
— Brady and Durkin announce resolution to remove “Fair Tax” from the ballot
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/18/brady-and-durkin-announce-resolution-to-remove-fair-tax-from-the-ballot/
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump-haters side with Pritzker against Amy Jacobson. I should write a book about pot pushers who sided with pot pushers against me when I spoke against pot at a DuPage County Board meeting last year.
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/18/reopen-rally-speaker-upset-that-she-cant-ask-governor-questions-during-media-briefing/
— State announces two counties will run pilot contact tracing program – Pritzker explains new IDPH rule – Says it’s a “tool” for law enforcement – “Within the existing law” – Hopeful that people can get back to work at Ford plant – Talks about horse racing reopening – Full investigation of data breach – Blames Deloitte for breach – Free credit reports for victims – Says he’s “reluctant” to interfere with churches – Fall surge would mean “big trouble” – No need for legislation on EO – Worried about family’s safety – Slams legislators who were “perfectly willing” to speak to a crowd displaying Nazi and swastika signs – Won’t ask ISP to enforce mask rule in Clay County court – “Balance weighs in favor of keeping people safe” – Asked about map – “The GOP wants to keep people from voting” on Fair Tax – Repeats that he wants help for small biz, including restaurants – Mail-in ballots top election-related session priority
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/18/state-announces-two-counties-will-run-pilot-contact-tracing-program/
— 2,294 new cases, 59 additional deaths
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/18/2294-new-cases-59-additional-deaths/
— COVID-19 roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/18/covid-19-roundup-40/

CBS NEWS
— Many low-wage workers earn more on unemployment than in their former jobs – KHRISTOPHER J. BROOKS
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/unemployment-benefits-low-wage-workers-make-more-income/

WASHINGTON POST
— Trump says he is taking hydroxychloroquine to protect against coronavirus, dismisses safety concerns
https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/05/18/coronavirus-update-us/

MACOMB DAILY
— News not so unbiased with political influence – Brian Pannebecker (DIERSEN: I should write a book about those who demonize, denigrate, and condemn my judgment. I would focus on those who demonize, denigrate, and condemn a) the decisions that I make to include hyperlinks to articles in GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails and/or b) the comments that I make on those articles.)
https://www.macombdaily.com/opinion/news-not-so-unbiased-with-political-influence/article_59306d7c-9916-11ea-bcfe-2b792ef09d8c.html

May 18 Morning Edition

ABC7
— 38 shot, 6 fatally, in Chicago weekend shootings
https://abc7chicago.com/38-shot-6-fatally-in-chicago-weekend-shootings/6192730/?cmp=emc-wls-news-headlines-5/18/2020
— 1st Ribfest to be held in Romeoville canceled amid COVID-19 health, safety concerns, Exchange Club of Naperville says
https://abc7chicago.com/ribfest-romeoville-naperville-moving/6191996/

NBC5
— Illinois Rep. Allen Skillicorn Threatens to File Recall Motion Against Pritzker for Unemployment Handling
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/state-rep-threatens-to-file-recall-motion-against-pritzker-for-unemployment-handling/2273646/

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— How the pandemic unmasks Illinois’ feeble finances – EDITORIAL
https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/editorials/ct-edit-illinois-states-pension-bailout-congress-20200518-fyt4lnbeh5a7je2celnvxrareu-story.html
— Americans need employment opportunities, not unemployment incentives – RACHEL GRESZLER
https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/commentary/ct-opinion-coronavirus-congress-employment-heritage-20200515-ffjyyovy7bggron2lvkyl75pwa-story.html

DAILY HERALD
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD WITH BIG COLOR PICTURE: Ever-increasingly Trump-haters use coronavirus to paint Republicans as being White supremacists, Nazis, KKK members, haters, racists, sexists, bigots, and even worse things.
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200518/why-covid-19-infections-are-surging-in-suburban-latino-communities
— How the post COVID-19 workplace will be different – John T. Slania (DIERSEN: Will employers use coronavirus to get rid of their employees who are older, who are obese, and/or who have underlying medical conditions including diabetes? Will organizations use coronavirus to get rid of their members who are older, who are obese, and/or who have underlying medical conditions including diabetes?)
https://www.dailyherald.com/business/20200518/how-the-post-covid-19-workplace-will-be-different
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD WITH COLOR PICTURE: Don’t expect public transit to bounce back to ‘normal’ when COVID-19 retreats – Marni Pyke
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200518/dont-expect-public-transit-to-bounce-back-to-normal-when-covid-19-retreats
— The Deal at 30: Study suggests Hoffman would have grown without Sears – David Bernstein
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200516/the-deal-at-30-study-suggests-hoffman-would-have-grown-without-sears

BLOOMINGTON PANTAGRAPH
— Durbin defends Pritzker, says more federal COVID-19 funds needed – Brenden Moore
https://www.pantagraph.com/durbin-defends-pritzker-says-more-federal-covid-19-funds-needed/article_a86daa6f-fa2d-5fae-a745-c04ed437d8d7.html

ALTON TELEGRAPH
— Can we afford to wait out the coronavirus hit? – Editorial
https://www.thetelegraph.com/opinion/article/Editorial-Can-we-afford-to-wait-out-the-15276795.php

SUBURBAN LIFE
— DuPage Foundation awards $500,000 to numerous organizations
https://www.mysuburbanlife.com/2020/05/15/dupage-foundation-awards-500-000-to-numerous-organizations/awt5xbi/

FOX ILLINOIS
— A look into the world of ‘politicized medicine’ in the age of COVID-19 – Sharyl Attkisson
https://foxillinois.com/news/nation-world/a-look-into-the-world-of-politicized-medicine-in-the-age-of-covid-19

WIREPOINTS
— Morning Raid to Crush Chicago Churchgoers: Entire Neighborhood Has Cars Towed – Mark Glennon
https://wirepoints.org/morning-raid-to-crush-chicago-churchgoers-entire-neighborhood-has-their-cars-towed-wirepoints/
— Pritzker Criminalizes Violators of His Shutdown Order Using His Own Rule-Making Power – Mark Glennon
https://wirepoints.org/pritzker-now-using-executive-rulemaking-to-criminalize-violations-of-his-emergency-shutdown-order-wirepoints/
— Gov. Pritzker’s overly-restrictive shutdown rules make Illinois a national outlier – Ted Dabrowski and John Klingner
https://wirepoints.org/gov-pritzkers-overly-restrictive-shutdown-rules-make-illinois-a-national-outlier-wirepoints-quicktake/
— Illinois eying loan from Fed, but who would certify state is solvent? – Quicktake (DIERSEN: Just kidding, but to avoid bankruptcy, will the Democrats who run Illinois auction off some or all of Illinois’ 102 counties to neighboring states? How much would Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky, Indiana, and Michigan bid for Illinois counties near their states?)
https://wirepoints.org/illinois-eying-loan-from-fed-but-who-would-certify-state-is-solvent-quicktake/

ILLINOIS LEAKS
— Our letter to JCAR to Object and Suspend IDPH emergency rule which makes criminals out of business owners – KIRK ALLEN
https://edgarcountywatchdogs.com/2020/05/our-letter-to-jcar-to-object-and-suspend-idph-emergency-rule-which-makes-criminals-out-of-business-owners/

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— REP. CABELLO SOUNDS THE ALARM ON NEW CRIMINALIZATION OF NON-COMPLIANCE WITH HEALTH RULES; CALLS ON LEGISLATURE TO TAKE ACTION
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/rep-cabello-sounds-the-alarm-on-new-criminalization-of-non-compliance-with-health-rules-calls-on-leg.html
— REP. SKILLICORN: RECALL RESOLUTION ON THE TABLE IF GOV. PRITZKER FAILS TO FIX UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS WEBSITE
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/rep-allen-skillicorn-recall-resolution-on-the-table-if-gov-pritzker-fails-to-fix-unemployment-claims.html
— REP. WEHRLI DENOUNCES PRITZKER RULE THAT CRIMINALIZES “NON-ESSENTIAL” BUSINESSES THAT REOPEN
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/rep-wehrli-denounces-pritzker-rule-that-criminalizes-non-essential-businesses-that-reopen.html
— SEN. REZIN OPPOSES PRITZKER’S LATEST “RULE”
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/sen-rezin-opposes-pritzkers-latest-rule.html
— THORNER: RESPONSE TO CHINESE CORONAVIRUS REVEALS TRUE AUTHORITARIAN BENT OF ANTI-AMERICAN GLOBALISTS
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/thorner-response-to-chinese-coronavirus-reveals-true-authoritarian-bent-of-anti-american-globalists-1.html
— ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE WRITER SAYS PRITZKER SHOULD STALL AUTOMATIC PAY RAISES FOR STATE WORKERS (DIERSEN: Step increases recognize/reward work experience that employees gain. I should write a book about those who have demonized, denigrated, and condemned the work experience that I gained a) working for GAO for almost 18 years, the last 11 years of which at the GS-13 Step 1-10 levels, currently $101,176–$131,532/year and b) working for IRS for almost 9 years, the last 5 1/2 years of which at the GS-12 Step-1-5 levels, currently $85,084-$96,431/year. I should write a book about those who have demonized, denigrated, and condemned the experience that I gained a) passing the CPA and Certified Internal examinations on my first attempt and b) earning master’s degrees in business, accounting, and finance. I would focus on those in Wheaton’s West District, Wheaton, Milton Township, DuPage County, and Illinois who have/had lots of religious, government, political, and/or financial clout. I would focus on present/past leaders of the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce, Milton Township Republican Organization, DuPage County Republican Central Committee, Illinois Republican Party, TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois, Illinois Center Right Coalition, and American Association of Political Consultants Midwest Chapter. I would focus on the aforesaid who blame me and my GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails for their problems, for your problems, for my problems, and for everyone’s problems.)
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/illinois-policy-institute-writer-says-pritzker-should-stall-automatic-pay-raises-for-state-workers.html
— ILLINOIS BUSINESS OWNERS COULD DO JAIL TIME UNDER PRITZKER’S NEW EMERGENCY RULES
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/illinois-business-owners-could-do-jail-time-under-pritzkers-new-emergency-rules.html
— ILLINOIS SHERIFFS FIRE BACK AT GOV. PRITZKER: ‘WE’RE NOT GOING TO BE THREATENED’
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/illinois-sheriffs-fire-back-at-gov-pritzker-were-not-going-to-be-threatened.html
— 100,000 BUSINESSES HAVE PERMANENTLY COLLAPSED UNDER PANDEMIC LOCKDOWNS
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/100000-businesses-have-permanently-collapsed-under-pandemic-lockdowns.html
— THE US IS DRAMATICALLY OVERCOUNTING CORONAVIRUS DEATHS
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/the-us-is-dramatically-overcounting-coronavirus-deaths.html
— ROSSI: THE INSANITY AND MASSIVE PAIN OF THE COVID 19 SHUTDOWN
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/rossi-the-insanity-and-massive-pain-of-the-covid-19-shutdown.html

CAPITOL FAX
— IDPH issues new emergency rules
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/18/idph-issues-new-emergency-rules/
— IDPH weekend reports: 2,088 new cases and 74 additional deaths on Saturday, 1,734 new cases and 51 additional deaths on Sunday
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/18/idph-weekend-reports-2088-new-cases-and-74-additional-deaths-on-saturday-1734-new-cases-and-51-additional-deaths-on-sunday/

FOX NEWS
— Pelosi’s crazy $3T coronavirus spending bill may have secret purpose – Don’t underestimate her – Newt Gingrich
https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/newt-gingrich-pelosis-crazy-3t-coronavirus-spending-bill-may-have-secret-purpose-dont-underestimate-her

GOPUSA
— NFL Considers Rewarding Teams With Favorable Draft Picks For Minority Hires (DIERSEN: While I worked for the federal government for almost 30 years, to get promoted, Democrat politicians forced my superiors and supervisors to a) excel in retaining and promoting young Democrat minorities and young Democrat females and b) excel in getting rid of their employees who were Republican, White, male, and/or non-veteran who had not made GS-13 (currently $101,176) by age 25, GS-14 (currently $119,559) by age 30, GS-15 (currently $140,634) by age 35, and Senior Executive Service (currently $170,800) by age 40. Obviously, the aforesaid is Affirmative Action, Diversity, Inclusion, patronage, political affiliation discrimination, reverse discrimination, age discrimination, and up-or-out.)
https://www.gopusa.com/?p=89020

BREITBART
— Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL) Introduces Bill to Ban ‘Ballot Harvesting’ – JOEL B. POLLAK
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2020/05/17/house-republican-introduces-bill-to-ban-ballot-harvesting/
— Union Workers Warn Nancy Pelosi’s Coronavirus Plan Guts Pensions – John Binder
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2020/05/17/union-workers-pelosi-coronavirus-gut-pensions/

COLLEGE FIX
— California lawmakers rush to impose race preferences in education during COVID-19 lockdown – ALEXANDER PEASE (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, Democrats force individuals, organizations, companies, governments, and countries to give preference to those who are anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-patriotic, anti-Republican, anti-American, anti-White, anti-male, anti-older people, anti-rich people, anti-gun owners, anti-German Americans, anti-draft avoiders, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time. How strongly are the organizations that you are a member of giving preference to the aforesaid?)
https://www.thecollegefix.com/california-lawmakers-rush-to-impose-race-preferences-in-education-during-covid-19-lockdown/

THE HILL
— Critics say Trump, Congress fumbling economic response to COVID-19 – MIKE LILLIS
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/498224-critics-say-trump-congress-fumbling-economic-response-to-covid-19

POLITICO
— ‘Immunity passports’ won’t reopen America Antibody apps may still find a niche in the workplace. – JOANNE KENEN (DIERSEN: Will employers use coronavirus to get rid of their employees who are older, who are obese, and/or who have underlying medical conditions including diabetes? Will organizations use coronavirus to get rid of their members who are older, who are obese, and/or who have underlying medical conditions including diabetes?)
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/05/18/immunity-passports-reopen-america-264392
— Fed’s Powell warns unemployment could reach Depression-level 25 percent The Fed chief expressed hope that the economy would come out of recession in the second half of the year. – VICTORIA GUIDA
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/05/17/powell-unemployment-depression-25-percent-264500

ASSOCIATED PRESS
— LOCAL HEALTH AGENCIES STRUGGLE TO RAMP UP VIRUS TRACKING – Christina A. Cassidy
https://oilcity.news/associated-press/2020/05/16/local-health-agencies-struggle-to-ramp-up-virus-tracking/

CNBC
— 10% of retail demand might be lost forever – Lauren Thomas
https://www.cnbc.com/2020/05/13/10percent-of-retail-demand-might-be-lost-forever.html

NEW YORK TIMES
— ‘Geriatric,’ ‘China’s Puppet’: Trump Campaign Unleashes Ads Attacking Biden President Trump’s re-election team has launched a long-promised barrage of negative ads against Joseph R. Biden Jr., focusing on his age and his past comments on China. – Nick Corasaniti and Maggie Haberman (DIERSEN: Are you older? I am 71 years old. If your critics/opponents attacked your age, what would you stress? I would stress neither age problems nor any other kind of problem has stopped me from a) putting a GOPUSA ILLINOIS email together and sending it out each and every morning since 2004 and b) putting a GOPUSA ILLINOIS email together and sending it out each and every evening since 2015. Those emails included links to more than 367,800 articles and information on many upcoming events.)
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/15/us/politics/trump-ads-joe-biden.html
— Dump on Your Office All You Like. You’ll Miss It When It’s Gone. Your workplace shaped your identity in ways you never knew. – Jennifer Senior (DIERSEN: My Democrat GAO superiors, supervisors, coworkers, and subordinates were furious when in 1990, I got a preferred corner office in a new building ( https://200westadams.com/ ) a) because I had gotten promoted to GS-13 in 1986 and b) because of the almost 12 years of federal seniority that I had gained by working for IRS 1971-1980 and for the Post Office 1966-1969.)
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/17/opinion/coronavirus-office-telecommuting.html
— Congress Doesn’t Need to Meet in Person Lawmakers are just like the millions of other people who are working from home. – Josephine Wolff
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/15/opinion/virus-congress-remote-voting.html

WASHINGTON POST
— As coronavirus testing expands, a new problem arises: Not enough people to test – Steve Thompson, Juliet Eilperin and Brady Dennis
https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/as-coronavirus-testing-expands-a-new-problem-arises-not-enough-people-to-test/2020/05/17/3f3297de-8bcd-11ea-8ac1-bfb250876b7a_story.html
— Top Trump official says country safe to reopen as governors stress social distancing
https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/05/17/coronavirus-update-us/

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
— NYC’s coming budget crisis: Mayor must start making responsible cuts in face of pandemic’s fiscal impact – Editorial
https://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/ny-edit-city-budget-coronavirus-covid-19-new-york-city-20200517-dmsnurexmvatxjhvpvcc5mah5q-story.html

USA TODAY
— FRONT PAGE: Aftershock: If coronavirus swells in a second wave later this year, will the nation be ready? – Dennis Wagner
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2020/05/17/coronavirus-peak-america-ready-second-wave-fall/3096338001/

DETROIT FREE PRESS
— Huge day as Detroit Three restart at least 52 plants shuttered since March by coronavirus – Phoebe Wall Howard, Jamie L. LaReau and Eric D. Lawrence
https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/2020/05/18/ford-gm-fiat-chrysler-restart-plants-u-s-canada-mexico-amid-covid/5209746002/

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Fed’s Jerome Powell Says Economy Faces Long, Uncertain Recovery It will be hard for public to be ‘fully confident’ without a coronavirus vaccine, central bank chairman says – Nick Timiraos
https://www.wsj.com/articles/feds-powell-says-economy-faces-long-uncertain-recovery-11589734446
— How Biden Can Win Over Progressives – Cenk Uygur (DIERSEN: Progressives want Biden to promise to use the federal government to get rid of the following once and for all: individuals, organizations, companies, governments, and countries that are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, non-poor, gun owners, German American, draft avoiders, and those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-biden-can-win-over-progressives-11589741232
— Some Republicans Object to Trump’s Ousting of State Department Watchdog Lawmakers point to 2008 law that requires president to detail reasons for removing inspector general – Andrew Restuccia and Lindsay Wise (DIERSEN: If my Democrat superiors in the federal government had to truthfully detail the reasons why they took adverse actions against me, the reasons would be one or more of the following: a) they were carrying out orders from Democrat politicians and/or b) they disapproved of, despised, if not hated Republicans, conservatives, Protestants, German Americans, draft avoiders, Whites, males, older people, people who had more education than they had, people who had more professional certifications and/or licenses than they had, people who had more money than they had, and/or people whose ancestors had been in America longer than their ancestors.)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/republicans-object-to-trumps-ousting-of-state-department-watchdog-11589729560
— Graduations, Campus Classes Canceled by Coronavirus Shock College-Town Economy – Justin Baer
https://www.wsj.com/articles/graduations-campus-classes-canceled-by-coronavirus-shock-college-town-economy-11589707800

BLOOMBERG
— Coronavirus Wreaks Havoc on the Future of U.S. Immigrant Labor – Eric Martin
https://www.bloomberg.com/amp/news/articles/2020-05-17/coronavirus-wreaks-havoc-on-the-future-of-u-s-immigrant-labor

ECONOMIST
— America’s far right is energized by covid-19 lockdowns
https://www.economist.com/united-states/2020/05/17/americas-far-right-is-energised-by-covid-19-lockdowns

PEW RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS
— Staffing Nursing Homes Was Hard Before the Pandemic. Now It’s Even Tougher. – Sophie Quinton
https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/blogs/stateline/2020/05/18/staffing-nursing-homes-was-hard-before-the-pandemic-now-its-even-tougher

NEW YORK MAGAZINE
— The GOP Is the Problem. Is ‘Human Identity Politics’ the Solution? – Eric Levitz
https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2020/05/polarization-republicans-democracy-ezra-klein-book-review.html
(FROM THE ARTICLE: A large minority of African-American Democrats are social conservatives who believe that it is “always wrong” for two people of the same sex to engage in intercourse. One-third of Democratic voters believe that discrimination against whites is at least as big of a problem in the U.S. as discrimination against blacks. And for all of the talk of blue America’s supposed multiculturalism, a majority of Democratic voters agree with the statement “speaking English is essential for being a true American.” In other words: It isn’t actually the case that the median Democrat lacks all connection to the Republican Party’s dominant identity groups. There simply are not enough nonwhite (and/or enlightened white), secular, cosmopolitan, urban-dwelling people in the U.S. for a national party to be predominantly composed of them.)

MILWAUKEE INDEPENDENT
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: White-haters promote hatred of Whites.
http://www.milwaukeeindependent.com/featured/myth-anti-whiteness-telling-truth-mischaracterized-attacking-whites/

SUBURBAN
— Combatting discrimination is a prominent pandemic issue – Patrick Lejtenyi (DIERSEN: Of course, Trump-haters will use coronavirus to get rid of the following once and for all: Individuals, organizations, companies, governments, and countries that are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, obese, diabetic, non-poor, gun owners, German American, draft avoiders, those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time, etc.)
http://www.thesuburban.com/life/education/combatting-discrimination-is-a-prominent-pandemic-issue-concordia-researcher/article_46269c8a-96e9-11ea-a325-f7a3c1fc2210.html

May 17 Evening Edition

ABC7
— Coronavirus Illinois: COVID-19 cases top 94K with over 4K deaths; some Chicago churches reopen, defying governor’s order
https://abc7chicago.com/illinois-coronavirus-how-many-new-cases-of-in-by-day-update/6191308/
— Illinois stay at home order: Businesses that defy could to face misdemeanor punishable by fine up to $2,500 – AP
https://abc7chicago.com/businesses-that-defy-stay-at-home-order-to-face-misdemeanor-fine/6191401/


NBC5
— Trump Calls Out Pritzker’s Handling of Coronavirus Response Efforts President Trump and the Illinois governor have previously traded attacks on how their respective governments have handled the pandemic – Becca Wood
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/trump-calls-out-pritzkers-handling-of-coronavirus-response-efforts/2273582/
— Illinois Reports 1,734 Additional Coronavirus Cases, 51 Deaths Related to Virus The state also reported conducting more than 20,000 tests over the last 24 hours
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/illinois-reports-1734-additional-coronavirus-cases-51-deaths-related-to-virus/2273503/
— Pritzker Order Reportedly Authorizes New Punishment for Businesses Violating Restrictions Business owners could face misdemeanor charges if they open in violation of the order
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/pritzker-order-reportedly-authorizes-new-punishment-for-businesses-violating-restrictions/2273474/

— Illinois Coronavirus Updates: State Looks to New Ways to Enforce Stay-at-Home Order
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/illinois-coronavirus-updates-state-looks-to-new-ways-to-enforce-stay-at-home-order/2273489/

CBS2
— Neighbors Protest Metro Praise International Church For Holding Services During Pandemic – Vi Nguyen
https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2020/05/17/stay-at-home-order-pandemic-protest-metro-praise-international-church/

— Coronavirus In Illinois: 1,734 New COVID-19 Cases, 51 Additional Deaths
https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2020/05/17/coronavirus-in-illinois-1734-new-covid-19-cases-51-additional-deaths/

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— Illinois daily COVID-19 death toll drops to lows not seen in a couple weeks
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/illinois-daily-covid-19-death-toll-drops-to-lows-not-seen-in-a-couple-weeks
— Adler Planetarium lays off 120 employees due to pandemic
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/adler-planetarium-lays-off-120-employees-due-to-pandemic
— Office Depot closing stores, laying off 13,000 workers – Audrey Conklin
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/office-depot-closing-stores-laying-off-13000-workers

WGN TV
— Officials report 1,734 new cases of coronavirus disease, 51 related deaths in Illinois – AP
https://wgntv.com/chicago-news/officials-report-1734-new-cases-of-coronavirus-disease-51-related-deaths-in-illinois/

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Fifty-one more coronavirus deaths announced in Illinois, with positive tests continuing to come in below 20% The positivity rate in the northeast part of the state was 18.3% Sunday, the fourth straight day below 20%. In Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s reopening plan, a region could move to the third phase after 14 consecutive days of hitting that mark. – Ben Pope
https://chicago.suntimes.com/coronavirus/2020/5/17/21261686/illinois-coronavirus-pritzker-cases-deaths-testing-may-17-deaths
— Illinois’ latest 1-day statewide COVID-19 positivity rate dips below 9%
https://chicago.suntimes.com/essential-coronavirus-news/2020/5/17/21261282/latest-coronavirus-news-live-updates-chicago-illinois-2020
— Keeping it safe for legislators and democracy in Springfield this week Every protester should leave their guns at home. And any lawmaker who can’t be bothered to wear a face mask should stay out of town. – Editorial
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2020/5/17/21260565/coronavirus-covid-guns-legislature-michigan-domestic-terrorism-illinois-general-assembly-springfield
— How to crack down on COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes The first step is to evacuate coronavirus-infected residents from the lowest-rated facilities until the virus is contained or they recover. – Brandon Johnson, Cook County Commissioner
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2020/5/17/21260205/covid-nursing-home-deaths-personal-liberties-illinois-lockdown-first-amendment-letters-s-e-cupp
— While state remains shut down, Illinois residents head to neighboring states to shop, eat out In the first weekend that bordering states Indiana and Wisconsin largely were open for business, Illinoisans traveled across state lines, confident they won’t get sick. – Bob Chiarito
https://chicago.suntimes.com/coronavirus/2020/5/17/21261537/illinois-wisconsin-indiana-stay-at-home-order-open-coronavirus-covid-19
— Prognosis for COVID-19’s hit on Cook County finances plagued by ‘unknown unknowns’ “It’s worse than a hurricane, it’s worse than 9/11, it’s worse than the 2008 economic … downturn because this is a comprehensive stopping of the economy, a threat to public safety that forces total disruption of most traditional, economic activities,” said Laurence Msall, president of the Civic Federation. – Rachel Hinton
https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2020/5/17/21256486/cook-county-budget-shortfall-covid-19-finances-millions-coronavirus-revenues-hole

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Illinois officials report 51 more fatalities from coronavirus, the lowest number of daily deaths in nearly two weeks
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-pandemic-chicago-illinois-news-20200516-ildqrn4e4bhorexpljpc7dur7u-story.html
— We can’t wait for a COVID-19 vaccine to reopen, Britain, Italy tell citizens – AP
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-nw-coronavirus-world-updates-20200517-sckhmqobaveb7otzv6h7m6xdza-story.html
— Federal judge moves up petitions deadline for third-party and independent candidates but rejects call to require more signatures – RICK PEARSON
https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-third-party-candidates-ruling-20200517-2aunxlybungvlhqlpwvwa3ydcq-story.html
— Dozens defy stay-at-home order to attend Belmont-Cragin church while protesters warn of endangering the community – LAURA RODRÍGUEZ PRESA and JESSICA VILLAGOMEZ
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-illinois-churches-20200517-hawt4sd76jcmdorqquwytpqvx4-story.html

DAILY HERALD
— State reports 1,734 new COVID-19 cases, 51 additional deaths – Steve Zalusky
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200517/state-reports-1734-new-covid-19-cases-51-additional-deaths

CHAMPAIGN/URBANA NEWS GAZETTE
— Out of the virus frying pan, into the financial fire – Sheila A. Weinberg
https://www.news-gazette.com/opinion/guest-commentary/guest-commentary-out-of-the-virus-frying-pan-into-the-financial-fire/article_c034dce3-7516-53f7-b5f5-f306fc13a4a3.html

FOX ILLINOIS
— Biden’s VP search puts spotlight on how long he’ll serve – AP
https://foxillinois.com/news/nation-world/bidens-vp-search-puts-spotlight-on-how-long-hell-serve

CENTRAL ILLINOIS PROUD
— Trump says back to normal in golf means big crowds, no masks – AP
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/sports/trump-says-back-to-normal-in-golf-means-big-crowds-no-masks/

BURR RIDGE PATCH
— Burr Ridge Mayor Updates Residents On Flattening Coronavirus Curve “Burr Ridge continues to do its part to bring the curve down.”
https://patch.com/illinois/burrridge/burr-ridge-mayor-updates-residents-flattening-coronavirus-curve

ILLINOIS ACTION
— Illinois – URGENT call to action! – KIRK ALLEN
https://edgarcountywatchdogs.com/2020/05/illinois-urgent-call-to-action/

THE HILL
— Biden hits Trump, Pence on LGBTQ+ rights – JUSTINE COLEMAN (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, and RINOs get rid of you if you do not promote LGBTQ+ activity.)
https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/498197-biden-hits-trump-pence-on-lgbtq-rights

ABC NEWS
— How apps could change the workplace after coronavirus crisis Several apps could hold the future to a safe office after reopening. – Leighton Schneider and Michael Dobuski
https://abcnews.go.com/Health/apps-change-workplace-coronavirus-crisis/story?id=70726355

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
— Trump adviser Peter Navarro says stay-at-home measures kill more people ‘indirectly’ than coronavirus – DAVE GOLDINER
https://www.nydailynews.com/coronavirus/ny-coronavirus-peter-navarro-indirectly-20200517-wy45r77utjh2xc35bxwfmcgom4-story.html

DENVER POST
— Dealing with discrimination in the workplace – Iris Halpern and Ellen K. Giarratana (DIERSEN: How strongly will employers use coronavirus to get rid of their employees who are older, who are obese, who have diabetes, etc.?)
https://www.denverpost.com/2020/05/17/workers-rights-qa-dealing-with-discrimination-in-the-workplace/

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Why Stadiums Are Incubators for Coronavirus Spread Sports fans are longing to return to the stands, but health experts say stadiums are one of the highest-risk areas for coronavirus transmission. Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease specialist, walks us through how easily the virus could spread among the crowd.
https://www.wsj.com/video/why-stadiums-are-incubators-for-coronavirus-spread/16EEBD9D-DCF5-40D9-9628-7E8351E414D8.html

FORTUNE
— The class of 2020 is getting a crash course in job market uncertainty New grads are unsure and anxious about their professional prospects in a labor market ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic. – MCKENNA MOORE (DIERSEN: GAO hired me in 1980 because it could not find a qualified Democrat, minority, female, younger person, or veteran who would take the job. IRS hired me in 1971 because it could not find a qualified Democrat, minority, female, or veteran who would take the job. The Post Office hired me in 1966 because it could not find a qualified Democrat, minority, female, or veteran who would take the job.)
https://fortune.com/longform/coronavirus-job-market-class-of-2020-entry-level-hiring-covid-19/

May 17 Morning Edition

ABC7
— Churches to reopen for Sunday service in defiance of Illinois’ stay-at-home order – Jesse Kirsch
https://abc7chicago.com/religion/churches-reopen-for-services-in-defiance-of-illinois-stay-at-home-order-/6190541/
— Obama criticizes US coronavirus response in online commencement speech for HBCU graduates He also addressed the fatal shooting of Ahmaud Arbery – AP
https://abc7chicago.com/politics/obama-criticizes-covid-19-response-in-online-graduation-speech/6189204/
— Chicago Ford assembly plant employees return to work with new COVID-19 safety measures in place; ‘I think they’re rushing it’ – John Garcia
https://abc7chicago.com/business/i-think-theyre-rushing-it-chicago-ford-assembly-plant-employees-return-to-work/6189771/?cmp=emc-wls-news-headlines-5/17/2020

NBC5
— Experts Warn of 2020 ‘Meltdown’ as Election Funding Faces Rocky Path Through Congress “There is a real significant risk to the integrity of the election if we don’t invest now in our election infrastructure.”
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/national-international/experts-warn-of-2020-meltdown-as-election-funding-faces-rocky-path-through-congress/2273343/

CBS2
— Chicago Heights Ford Plant Reopens Monday As Workers Wear COVID-19 ‘Distance’ Watches – Chris Tye
https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2020/05/15/chicago-heights-ford-plant-reopens-monday-as-workers-wear-covid-19-distance-watches/

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— ‘Reopen Illinois’ rallies held as Anti-Defamation League condemns Nazi imagery on signs – Michele Fiore
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/reopen-illinois-rallies-held-as-anti-defamation-league-condemns-nazi-imagery-on-signs

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Federal appeals court says Pritzker’s executive order limiting gatherings will almost certainly withstand legal challenge
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-pandemic-chicago-illinois-news-20200516-ildqrn4e4bhorexpljpc7dur7u-story.html
— Putting ‘me’ first in age of coronavirus not only selfish but dangerous to all of us – DAVID MCGRATH (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, Trump-haters demonize you, denigrate you, and condemn you if you do not promote Pritzker.)
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/naperville-sun/opinion/ct-nvs-mcgrath-column-st-0515-20200515-ilntoackcvcm3jhapo7yqaftqy-story.html
— Find the right person for a job means hunting for ‘unique’ candidates, Naperville recruiter says – STEVE METSCH (DIERSEN: GAO hired me in 1980 because it could not find a qualified Democrat, minority, female, younger person, or veteran who would take the job. IRS hired me in 1971 because it could not find a qualified Democrat, minority, female, or veteran who would take the job. The Post Office hired me in 1966 because it could not find a qualified Democrat, minority, female, or veteran who would take the job.)
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/naperville-sun/ct-nvs-down-to-business-st-0517-20200515-4pm6sog3arh53fvs47tipx4qwi-story.html
— DuPage PADS unlikely to return to old homeless system in wake of pandemic, outgoing agency CEO says – HILARY DECENT (DIERSEN: What do you say to Democrats and RINOs who have for many decades steered homeless people to DuPage County, and especially to Milton Township and to Wheaton?)
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/naperville-sun/opinion/ct-nvs-decent-column-st-0517-20200515-gesmcta5wneoblllyzhlgazwgq-story.html
— We need reasonable, sensible plans from the governor in response to the pandemic – ELIZABETH BAUER
https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/commentary/ct-opinion-commentary-elizabeth-bauer-pritzker-stay-home-order-20200515-5rtaay64njcl3jbhgwvtnmdt6a-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Coronavirus live blog, May 16, 2020: Obama criticizes U.S. leaders’ virus response in online graduation speech – Harry Hitzeman (DIERSEN: Those who are sued retaliate against those who sue them. I should write a book about those who I have sued and their retaliation against me.)
https://chicago.suntimes.com/essential-coronavirus-news/2020/5/16/21260717/latest-coronavirus-news-live-updates-chicago-illinois-2020

DAILY HERALD
— Minorities, elderly represent higher rates of COVID-19 infections, deaths – Madhu Krishnamurthy (DIERSEN: Of course, Democrats blame Trump for that.)
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200517/minorities-elderly-represent-higher-rates-of-covid-19-infections-deaths
(FROM THE ARTICLE: In DuPage County, home to communities hardest-hit by the pandemic, Latinos comprise 27.5% of confirmed cases and 14.5% of the county’s population. African Americans make up 5.4% of confirmed cases and 5.3% of the population. Asians represent 6.4% of cases and 12.6% of the population, and whites account for 27.3% of confirmed cases and 79.7% of the population. Mortality rates per 100,000 population are: African Americans, 47.2%, whites, 29.4%, Latinos, 19.8%, and Asians, 16.3%.)
— Elgin church won’t reopen Sunday, threatens suit over COVID-19 shutdown
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200516/elgin-church-wont-reopen-sunday-threatens-suit-over-covid-19-shutdown

WTTW
— Pritzker Creates New Tier of Punishment for Businesses Ignoring COVID-19 Order – Amanda Vinicky (DIERSEN: In Illinois, because of Pritzker and the Democrats, how many businesses are going out of business a) every day and b) every hour?)
https://news.wttw.com/2020/05/16/pritzker-creates-new-tier-punishment-businesses-ignoring-covid-19-order
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Bars, restaurants and other businesses that open to customers in defiance of Illinois’ stay-at-home order now risk being charged with a misdemeanor. The new penalty level has been in effect since Friday afternoon when Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration quietly filed the emergency rule. While Pritzker’s executive order requires restaurants, salons and gyms to remain closed to on-site patrons due to COVID-19, the rule change codifies it under Illinois Department of Public Health regulations – violators of which can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. As of Saturday afternoon there’s no indication it has yet been enforced. A Class A misdemeanor in Illinois is punishable by a fine between $75 and $2500.)

PEORIA JOURNAL STAR
— It’s not the first time the House has taken a hike It is rare, but not unprecedented, for the General Assembly to meet somewhere other than the Capitol. – Doug Finke
https://www.pjstar.com/opinion/20200516/its-not-first-time-house-has-taken-hike

MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL
— No masks. No gloves. No problem. As coronavirus cases soar, carefree day-trippers from Illinois pour in – Elliot Hughes, Talis Shelbourne and Natalie Brophy
https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/2020/05/16/covid-19-cases-spike-but-wisconsin-crowds-kind-done-all/5207558002/

HOMEWOOD FLOSSMOOR CHRONICLE
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Cannabis-infusion business gets green light in Homewood – David P. Funk
https://hfchronicle.com/article/2020/may/15/cannabis-infusion-business-gets-green-light-homewood

FOX ILLINOIS
— Fourth stay at home order protest draws hundreds to Springfield – Jakob Emerson
https://foxillinois.com/news/local/fourth-protest-of-stay-at-home-order-held-at-state-capitol

WGEM
— Protesters rally outside Illinois Capitol, compare Gov. Pritzker to Hitler
https://wgem.com/2020/05/16/protesters-rally-outside-illinois-capitol-compare-gov-pritzker-to-hitler/

CENTRAL ILLINOIS PROUD
— Anti-Defamation League Regional Director calls Pritzker comparisons to Hitler antisemitic, vile – Matt Sheehan
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/local-news/anti-defamation-league-regional-director-calls-pritzker-comparisons-to-hitler-antisemitic-vile/
— Lawmakers debate on Heroes Act; Republicans and some Democrats go against bill – Basil John
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/washington/washington-dc/lawmakers-debate-on-heroes-act-republicans-and-some-democrats-go-against-bill/

NEWS CHANNEL 20
— Fourth stay at home order protest draws hundreds to Springfield – Jakob Emerson
https://newschannel20.com/news/local/fourth-protest-of-stay-at-home-order-held-at-state-capitol
— Champaign County sees negative impact on tourism and economy – Taylor Deckert
https://newschannel20.com/news/local/champaign-county-sees-negative-impact-on-tourism-and-economy

ILLINOIS LEAKS
— Illinois Governor Pritzker’s emergency rule change locks down the state for 150 days, makes criminals out of those who violated new rules – KIRK ALLEN
https://edgarcountywatchdogs.com/2020/05/illinois-governor-pritzkers-emergency-rule-change-locks-down-the-state-for-150-days-makes-criminals-out-of-those-who-violated-new-rules/

WASHINGTON FREE BEACON
— Chinese State Media Warn Country Will Interfere in U.S. Election – Adam Kredo (DIERSEN: I should write a book about those who hint/imply/argue/shout that GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails interfere with elections in Illinois, in DuPage County, in Milton Township, in Wheaton, and in Wheaton’s West District. According to them, all government and political news and commentary is false except for the government and political news and commentary that they put out or bless.)
https://freebeacon.com/national-security/chinese-state-media-warn-country-will-interfere-in-u-s-election/

FOX NEWS
— Lawmakers can protect the elderly and reopen the economy – Bobby Jindal
https://finance.yahoo.com/video/lawmakers-protect-elderly-reopen-economy-232246055.html

BREITBART
— Pelosi Coronavirus Plan Bails Out the Rich with Tax Breaks, Cheap Labor – John Binder
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2020/05/16/pelosi-coronavirus-plan-bails-out-the-rich-with-tax-breaks-cheap-labor/
— Congress Needs to Wake Up About State and Local Government Layoffs – JOEL B. POLLAK
https://www.breitbart.com/economy/2020/05/15/pollak-congress-needs-to-wake-up-about-state-and-local-government-layoffs/

THE HILL
— Trump and Biden signal bitter general election with latest attack ads – TAL AXELROD (DIERSEN: Expect that ever-increasingly, Biden will call Republicans White supremacists, Nazis, KKK member, haters, racists, sexists, bigots, and even worse things who should be gotten rid of once and for all. Expect that ever-increasingly, Biden will promise to use the federal government to get rid of the following once and for all: individuals, organizations, companies, governments, and countries that are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, non-poor, gun owners, German American, draft avoiders, and those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/497885-trump-biden-signal-bitter-general-election-latest-attack-ads

NBC NEWS
— NYC tourist who posted pics at the beach in Hawaii arrested for violating quarantine rule – Minyvonne Burke
https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/live-blog/2020-05-16-coronavirus-news-n1208496/ncrd1208636#blogHeader

NEW YORK TIMES
— Dealing With the Dark Side of Low Interest Rates When you borrow, low interest rates are fabulous. But if you need to live on your savings, you will be receiving far less income. – Jeff Sommer (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, interest rates are less than inflation.)
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/15/business/strategies-investing-interest-rates.html
— I’m Sick of Asking Children to Be Resilient It’s time for reparations and resources and to not expect kids to “rise above.” – Mona Hanna-Attisha (DIERSEN: In what municipality were you raised? I was raised in Crete 1948-1972. I should write a book about Crete-haters who demonize, denigrate, and condemn a) Crete and b) those like me who were raised in Crete who are White, male, German American, Missouri Synod Lutheran, and/or non-veteran. I would focus on Crete-haters in Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Milton Township, DuPage County, and Illinois. I would focus on Crete-haters who have lots of religious, government, political, and/or financial clout. I would focus on Crete-haters who continue to demonize, denigrate, and condemn me as being a newcomer even though I have lived in Wheaton since 1978.)
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/12/opinion/sunday/flint-inequality-race-coronavirus.html
— FRONT PAGE: How Washington Learned to Embrace the Budget Deficit Many economists who once warned of mounting debt are now urging lawmakers to spend more to combat economic pain from coronavirus. – Jim Tankersley (DIERSEN: Until last year, my wife and I had never spent more than our income. According to my critics/opponents, we were able to do that only because a) we gave up trying to have children, we did not adopt, and we did not become foster parents, b) the federal government grossly overpaid me, c) my federal retirement benefits are much too generous, d) my wife had good jobs, e) I avoided the draft, and f) I have had good health.)
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/16/business/deficits-virus-economists-trump.html

WASHINGTON POST
— Crisis exposes how America has hollowed out its government. – Dan Balz (DIERSEN: I should write a book about a) how Republicans used budget cuts to hollow out GAO and b) how the Democrats who ran GAO used those budget cuts to get rid of their employees who were Republican, White, male, and/or non-veteran and who they had not promoted to GS-13 (currently $101,176) by age 25, GS-14 (currently $119,559) by age 30, GS-15 (currently $140,634) by age 35, and Senior Executive Service (currently $170,800) by age 40.)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/politics/government-hollowed-out-weaknesses/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Chronic weaknesses are well known Gene Dodaro, the comptroller general, leads the Government Accountability Office, the agency that is tasked with being a watchdog for government performance. He sees structural weaknesses that constantly impede performance. “The hardest part of my job is getting people to focus on things before they become a crisis,” he said. The GAO regularly produces a list of areas of high risk in government performance. The most recent, issued in 2019, began with this assessment: “The ratings for more than half of the 35 areas on the 2019 High Risk List remain largely unchanged. Since GAO’s last update in 2017, seven areas improved, three regressed, and two showed mixed progress.”)

FORBES
— Republicans ‘Appalled’ By $3 Trillion Heroes Act, As Democrats Urge Its Passing – Sergei Klebnikov
https://www.forbes.com/sites/sergeiklebnikov/2020/05/16/republicans-appalled-by-3-trillion-heroes-act-as-democrats-urge-its-passing/#40f808ec7599

TIME
— Welcome to the First Global Economic Depression of Our Lifetimes – IAN BREMMER
https://time.com/5837442/first-global-depression-our-lifetimes/

DAILY BEAST
— It’s Not Just Sheriffs—Now Prosecutors Refuse to Enforce Illinois Lockdown – Tracy Connor
https://www.thedailybeast.com/prosecutors-refuse-to-enforce-illinois-gov-jb-pritzkers-lockdown

SUN
— ‘OPEN ILLINOIS’ Protesters calling for end to coronavirus lockdown have tense standoff with Chicago cops despite gov’s vow to open state – Erica Davies
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/11641674/illinois-coronavirus-lockdown-protests-standoff-cops-chicago/

May 16 Evening Edition

ABC7
— Coronavirus Illinois: COVID-19 cases top 92K with over 4K deaths; Chatham testing site opens – Eric Horng, Stacey Baca and Sarah Schulte
https://abc7chicago.com/society/illinois-covid-19-cases-top-92k-over-4k-deaths/6189070/
— Debate: More coronavirus aid or wait for economy to rebound? – AP
https://abc7chicago.com/politics/debate-more-stimulus-checks-or-wait-and-see/6188793/
— Coronavirus Chicago: Cook County Jail sees ‘steady decrease’ in COVID-19 cases, officials say
https://abc7chicago.com/cook-county-jail-coronavirus-illinois-chicago-covid-19/6189171/

NBC5
— Illinois Counties Push Back Against Pritzker’s ‘Stay-at-Home’ Order As neighboring states begin to reopen, Illinois counties become restless – Chris Hush
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/illinois-counties-push-back-against-pritzkers-stay-at-home-order/2273248/
— Illinois Reports 2,088 New Cases of Coronavirus, 74 Additional Deaths The state announced it had returned 23,047 new test results in the last 24 hours
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/illinois-reports-2088-new-cases-of-coronavirus-74-additional-deaths/2273201/
— McHenry County Sheriff Says Deputies Won’t Enforce Pritzker’s ‘Stay-at-Home’ Order
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/mchenry-county-sheriff-says-deputies-wont-enforce-pritzkers-stay-at-home-order/2273187/

CBS2
— Coronavirus In Illinois: 2,088 New COVID-19 Cases, 74 Additional Deaths
https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2020/05/16/coronavirus-in-illinois-2088-new-covid-19-cases-71-additional-deaths/

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— Questions raised over accuracy of US coronavirus death toll – Robert Gearty
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/questions-raised-over-accuracy-of-us-coronavirus-death-toll

WGN TV
— Protesters flock to Illinois Statehouse, Thompson Center to voice displeasure with stay-at-home order – Gaynor Hall
https://wgntv.com/news/protesters-flock-to-illinois-statehouse-thompson-center-to-voice-displeasure-with-stay-at-home-order/
— Suburbs divided over governor’s stay-at-home order – Meghan Dwyer
https://wgntv.com/news/coronavirus/suburbs-divided-over-governors-stay-at-home-order/

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— 74 more coronavirus deaths announced as protesters rally again for Pritzker to reopen Illinois More than 1,800 coronavirus deaths have been reported in the state this month alone, but a vocal contingent of protesters say it’s time to restart the state economy immediately. – Mitchell Armentrout and Tyler LaRiviere
https://chicago.suntimes.com/coronavirus/2020/5/16/21261143/illinois-reopen-protest-coronavirus-cases-pritzker-deaths-may-16
— Coronavirus masks a boon for crooks who hide their faces Just how many criminals are taking advantage of the pandemic to commit crimes is impossible to estimate, but law enforcement officials have no doubt that the numbers are climbing. – AP
https://chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2020/5/16/21261008/coronavirus-masks-a-boon-for-crooks-who-hide-their-faces

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Officials see some progress in COVID-19 battle but call for cautious reopening steps that are too slow for some – MADELINE BUCKLEY and JASON MEISNER
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-saturday-update-20200516-orvgxk4kh5dlrdcsrdsu2etbai-story.html

DAILY HERALD
— Illinois reports more than 2,000 additional cases, 74 deaths on Saturday – AP
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200516/illinois-reports-more-than-2000-additional-cases-74-deaths-on-saturday
— Some Northwest suburbs ask to be split from Chicago in governor’s Restore Illinois plan – Eric Peterson
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200515/some-northwest-suburbs-ask-to-be-split-from-chicago-in-governors-restore-illinois-plan

WTTW
— Illinois’ COVID-19 Testing Positivity Rate Takes Another Small Dip New statewide totals: 92,457 cases, 4,129 deaths – Amanda Vinicky
https://news.wttw.com/2020/05/16/illinois-covid-19-testing-positivity-rate-takes-another-small-dip

HERALD & REVIEW
— Illinois reports more than 2,000 additional cases as protests continue – AP
https://herald-review.com/news/state-and-regional/illinois-reports-more-than-2-000-additional-cases-as-protests-continue/article_09d9f580-34d5-5f68-8ed0-4fb0400a13b4.html

ROCK RIVER TIMES
— Pritzker criminalizes stay-at-home violations, Rep. John Cabello responds – Jim Hagerty
http://rockrivertimes.com/2020/05/16/pritzker-criminalizes-stay-at-home-violations-rep-john-cabello-responds/

NPR ILLINOIS
— GOP Officials Say They’re Expecting 50,000 In Charlotte For Republican Convention – SARAH MCCAMMON
https://www.nprillinois.org/post/gop-officials-say-theyre-expecting-50000-charlotte-republican-convention#stream/0
— Trump Slams China Over Coronavirus, Ratcheting Up Hostilities
https://www.nprillinois.org/post/trump-slams-china-over-coronavirus-ratcheting-hostilities#stream/0

MCHENRY COUNTY BLOG
— State’s Attorney Patrick Kenneally Files Federal Court Brief Arguing that Pritzker Has 30-Day Limit to Emergency Order Authority
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/05/16/states-attorney-patrick-kenneally-files-federal-court-brief-arguing-that-pritzker-has-30-day-limit-to-emergency-order-authority/
— Pritzker Sticks to Stupid Two-Person a Boat Rule
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/05/16/pritzker-sticks-to-stupid-two-person-a-boat-rule/
— Sheriff Bill Prim Has No Intention of Enforcing Pritzker Order as Criminal Offense
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/05/16/sheriff-bill-prim-has-no-intentions-of-enforcing-pritzker-order-as-criminal-offense/
— IL-06/IL-14: House Democrats Pass HEROES Act with Ballot Harvesting Included
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/05/16/il-06-il-14-house-democrats-pass-heroes-act/
— Dems Want to Stop Congressional Republicans from Sleeping in Their Offices
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/05/16/dems-want-to-stop-republicans-from-sleeping-in-their-offices/
— Time for Independence from Pritzker Emergency Order
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/05/15/time-for-independence-from-pritzker-emergency-order/
— Pritzker Doesn’t Want Legislative Oversight on Coronavirus Orders
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/05/15/pritzker-doesnt-want-legislative-oversight-on-coronavirus-orders/
— McHenry County Real Estate Tax Bills Go in the Mail Today, Information Available Online
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/05/15/mchenry-county-real-estate-tax-bills-go-in-the-mail-today-information-available-online/
— Jack Franks: “Do You Believe in Transparency or Not?”
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/05/15/do-you-believe-in-transparency-or-not/
— Jim Ryan to the Rescue of the Economy
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/05/15/jim-ryan-to-the-rescue-of-the-economy/
— Ripsnorting McHenry County Board Meeting
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/05/14/ripsnorting-county-board-meeting/
— McHenry County Board of Health Position Statement on Enforcing and Not Enforcing Governor’s Executive Orders on Coronavirus
http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2020/05/16/mchenry-county-board-of-health-position-statement-on-enforcing-governors-executive-orders-on-coronavirus/

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Illinois reports more than 2,000 additional cases, 74 deaths – AP
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/may/16/illinois-reports-more-than-2000-additional-cases-7/

GOPUSA
— From Nanny State To Orwell’s ‘Big Brother’
https://www.gopusa.com/from-nanny-state-to-orwells-big-brother/

THE HILL
— Class of 2020 set to join worst job market in history – J. EDWARD MORENO AND JUSTINE COLEMAN
https://thehill.com/homenews/news/497981-class-of-2020-set-to-join-worst-job-market-in-history
— GOP Alaska legislator compares coronavirus screening sticker to Nazi Germany’s Star of David – MORGAN GSTALTER
https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/498138-gop-alaska-legislator-compares-coronavirus-screening-sticker-to-nazi
— Why Donald Trump could thank the media if he wins reelection this fall – JONATHAN TURLEY
https://thehill.com/opinion/campaign/498111-why-donald-trump-could-thank-the-media-if-he-wins-reelection-this-fall

May 16 Morning Edition

ABC7
— Coronavirus Illinois: COVID-19 cases top 90K with over 4K deaths; GOP congressmen write angry letter responding to Pritzker funding comments Republican congressmen fire off letter after Pritzker says counties that don’t comply risk losing federal aid – Eric Horng, Stacey Baca and Sarah Schulte
https://abc7chicago.com/society/state-remains-on-track-to-move-to-next-reopening-phase;-gop-lawmakers-lash-out/6186133/
— Coronavirus deaths: Nearly half of Illinois COVID-19 deaths linked to long-term care facilities, according to IDPH – Chuck Goudie, Barb Markoff, Christine Tressel, Ross Weidner and Jonathan Fagg
https://abc7chicago.com/health/nearly-half-of-illinois-covid-19-deaths-linked-to-long-term-care-facilities/6186917/

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— Illinois widens test eligibility as COVID-19 deaths pass 4,000 – AP
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/illinois-widens-test-eligibility-as-covid-19-deaths-pass-4000

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Face off on masks looming in Springfield? Two downstate Republicans balk at COVID-19 precautions Mulling an about-face, state Rep. Brad Halbrook and fellow Republican state Rep. Darren Bailey said they won’t commit to wearing masks when the House meets on Wednesday, potentially creating a standoff between them and Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan. – Neal Earley
https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2020/5/15/21260692/face-masks-covering-springfield-downstate-republican-darren-bailey-halbrook-covid-19-coronavirus
— With the focus on the coronavirus, Lightfoot opts for bare-bones capital plan The capital plan is on the agenda for Monday’s Finance Committee meeting. – Fran Spielman
https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2020/5/14/21259380/with-the-focus-on-the-coronavirus-lightfoot-opts-for-bare-bones-capital-plan

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Coronavirus deaths at long-term care facilities grow to nearly 2,000, accounting for nearly half of overall state total – Joe Mahr
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-long-term-care-facilities-data-20200515-asxjczfnojem5fkhncnnyrvgze-story.html

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— State Rep. Tim Butler, R-Springfield, takes drive-through COVID-19 test
https://www.sj-r.com/news/20200515/lawmaker-takes-drive-through-covid-19-test

FOX ILLINOIS
— Blue Mound bar throws ‘anti-corona party’ despite cease and desist order
https://foxillinois.com/news/coronavirus/blue-mound-bar-throws-anti-corona-party-despite-cease-and-desist-order

NEWS CHANNEL 20
— Congressmen urge lawmakers to prevent Pritzker from withholding funds from counties
https://newschannel20.com/news/local/congressmen-urge-lawmakers-to-prevent-pritzker-from-withholding-funds-from-counties

CENTRAL ILLINOIS PROUD
— Peoria Humane Society to host ‘pet food’ drives – Nick Molinari
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/local-news/peoria-humane-society-to-host-pet-food-drives/

NAPERVILLE COMMUNITY TELEVISION
— Three Downtown Businesses Close Down
https://www.nctv17.com/news/three-downtown-businesses-close-down/

CHICAGO CITY WIRE
— University of Illinois professors ‘do not recommend’ mask requirement for general public without COVID-19 symptoms – Glenn Minnis
https://chicagocitywire.com/stories/536900058-university-of-illinois-professors-do-not-recommend-mask-requirement-for-general-public-without-covid-19-symptoms

PRAIRIE STATE WIRE
— Already the highest taxed in the nation, Pritzker wants Illinois residents to pay more – Bob Pepalis
https://prairiestatewire.com/stories/532463877-already-the-highest-taxed-in-the-nation-pritzker-wants-illinois-residents-to-pay-more
— Illinois Policy Institute writer says Pritzker should stall automatic pay raises for state workers – John Sammon (DIERSEN: Step increases recognize/reward experience that employees gain. I should write a book about those who have demonized, denigrated, and condemned the experience that I gained a) working for GAO for almost 18 years, the last 11 years of which at the GS-13 Step 1-10 levels, currently $101,176–$131,532/year; b) working for IRS for almost 9 years, the last 5 1/2 years of which at the GS-12 Step-1-5 levels, currently $85,084-$96,431/year; c) passing the CPA and Certified Internal examinations on my first attempt; and d) earning master’s degrees in business, accounting, and finance. I would focus on those in Wheaton’s West District, Wheaton, Milton Township, DuPage County, and Illinois who have/had lots of religious, government, political, and/or financial clout. I would focus on present/past leaders of the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce, Milton Township Republican Organization, DuPage County Republican Central Committee, Illinois Republican Party, TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois, Illinois Center Right Coalition, and American Association of Political Consultants Midwest Chapter. I would focus on the aforesaid who blame me and my GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails for their problems, for your problems, for my problems, and for everyone’s problems.)
https://prairiestatewire.com/stories/532398116-illinois-policy-institute-writer-says-pritzker-should-stall-automatic-pay-raises-for-state-workers
— Orland Park mayor Keith Pekau: Pritzker acts like North Korean dictator during COVID-19 crisis – W.J. Kennedy
https://prairiestatewire.com/stories/536974311-orland-park-mayor-pritzker-acts-like-north-korean-dictator-during-covid-19-crisis

ILLINOIS FAMILY INSTITUTE
— Coronavirus Should Remind Us Big Government Isn’t The Answer – Peter Heck
https://illinoisfamily.org/marriage/coronavirus-should-remind-us-big-government-isnt-the-answer/

ILLINOIS FAMILY ACTION
— The Party of Contradictions: Feminism vs. Islam – Mason Beasler
https://illinoisfamilyaction.org/2020/05/the-party-of-contradictions-feminism-vs-islam/
— Greasing the Skids Toward Socialism? – Jerry Newcombe
https://illinoisfamilyaction.org/2020/05/greasing-the-skids-toward-socialism/

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Illinois agencies unsure about reopening pools amid pandemic – AP
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/may/16/illinois-agencies-unsure-about-reopening-pools-ami/

DAILY SIGNAL
— Trump Says US Will Resume Funding WHO — At Same Level As China – DAVID KRAYDEN
https://dailycaller.com/2020/05/15/donald-trump-us-resume-funding-who-same-level-china/
— US Manufacturing Output Plunges To Record Low – JAKE MERCIER
https://dailycaller.com/2020/05/15/u-s-manufacturing-output-plunges-record-low-according-to-fed/
— Record-Setting Fundraising Proves Americans Want More Trump – KIMBERLY GUILFOYLE
https://dailycaller.com/2020/05/15/guilfoyle-record-setting-fundraising-proves-americans-want-more-trump/

THE HILL
— House passes massive $3T coronavirus relief package – MIKE LILLIS AND SCOTT WONG
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/498054-house-passes-massive-3t-coronavirus-relief-package
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump-haters want Trump to issue a “national plan on coronavirus” so that they can demonize it, denigrate it, and condemn it.
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/498078-trump-faces-criticism-over-lack-of-national-plan-on-coronavirus

CNN
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: A Trump-hater says “White House ramps up PR campaign to improve Trump’s image.”
https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/16/politics/trump-coronavirus-vaccine-image/index.html

NEW YORK TIMES
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD: DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump-haters say “A Sitting President, Riling the Nation During a Crisis. By smearing his opponents, championing conspiracy theories and pursuing vendettas, President Trump has reverted to his darkest political tactics in spite of a pandemic hurting millions of Americans.”
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/15/us/politics/president-trump-coronavirus-pandemic-response.html
— Give Businesses Better Guidelines, Not Immunity A heedless rush to protect businesses from the legal system endangers workers, customers and everyone else. – Editorial (DIERSEN: How many employers will go out of business because of the cost of implementing coronavirus guidelines?)
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/15/opinion/coronavirus-liability-business-safety.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: A man-hater asks “Why Are Women-Led Nations Doing Better With Covid-19?”
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/15/world/coronavirus-women-leaders.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: A Trump-hater says “Trump, Biden and the Myth of ‘But 2016’ There are members of both parties who believe the president has the ability to defy the normal rules of politics. That view ignores electoral trends of recent years.”
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/15/us/politics/trump-vs-biden-polls.html
— FRONT PAGE TOP OF FOLD: When Shoppers Venture Out, What Will Be Left? A 16.4 percent sales decline in April may signal the bottom for retailers, but the climb back will be hard, and some companies may not make it. – Ben Casselman and Sapna Maheshwari
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/15/business/economy/coronavirus-retail-reopening.html

WASHINGTON POST
— Never Trumpers will host their own ‘Republican convention’ during the RNC – David Weigel
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/05/15/never-trumpers-will-host-their-own-republican-convention-during-rnc/

LOS ANGELES TIMES
— Put NIMBYism under quarantine, before homeless people with coronavirus get even sicker – CARLA HALL (DIERSEN: What do you say to politicians and to others who steer Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, RINOs, illegals, homeless people, low-income people, refugees, recent immigrants, minorities, LGBTQers, stoners, drinkers, etc. to certain municipalities, to certain municipal districts, to certain precincts, and/or to certain neighborhoods?)
https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2020-04-17/nimby-homeless-covid-19

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Campaigns, Like the Country, Begin Reawakening Trump ad tries to turn anger at China against former Vice President Biden, while Biden ad charges the president was slow and weak in coronavirus pandemic – Gerald F. Seib
https://www.wsj.com/articles/campaigns-like-the-country-begin-reawakening-11589601690
— Scenes From the Class Struggle in Lockdown Those who are anxious to open up the economy have led harder lives than those holding out for safety. – Peggy Noonan (DIERSEN: The operatives and the dupes who work for my critics/opponents hint/imply/argue/shout a) that they have led hard lives through no fault of their own and b) I did not really earn or disserve anything that I have. I should write a book about my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes.)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/scenes-from-the-class-struggle-in-lockdown-11589498276
— The Often Distorted Reality of Hate Crime in America Racism remains a blight, but one-sided reporting and misrepresented facts don’t help – Gerard Baker
https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-often-distorted-reality-of-hate-crime-in-america-11589562033
— When It’s Time to Go Back to the Office, Will It Still Be There? As companies prepare for employees to return, they are asking whether a traditional headquarters is still necessary. The workplace will likely never be the same again. – Dana Mattioli and Konrad Putzier (DIERSEN: Do/did you work in an office? I did 1971-1997 – in Chicago working for IRS in 1971 and 1973-1980, in Harvey and Joliet working for IRS in 1973 and 1974, and in Chicago working for GAO 1980-1997.)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/when-its-time-to-go-back-to-the-office-will-it-still-be-there-11589601618
— When Epidemics Give a Voice to the Forgotten During London’s 1849 cholera outbreak, an unlikely chronicler let the city’s poor speak out—in ways now echoed on social media during the coronavirus crisis – Richard Holmes
https://www.wsj.com/articles/when-epidemics-give-a-voice-to-the-forgotten-11589471833
— Sales Report Puts the Second Quarter in a Deep Hole After April’s slump in retail sales, even pessimistic forecasts for the current quarter could be too upbeat – Justin Lahart
https://www.wsj.com/articles/sales-report-puts-the-second-quarter-in-a-deep-hole-11589561770
— Coronavirus Bolsters Car Ownership as Consumers Rethink Shared Rides As ride-hailing hits the skids amid the pandemic, auto makers see renewed interest in personal vehicles – William Boston in Berlin and Mike Colias (DIERSEN: I have owed a car since I was 16 in 1964.)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/coronavirus-bolsters-car-ownership-as-consumers-rethink-shared-rides-11589564566
— FRONT PAGE: Google Hides News, Tricked by Fake Claims Dubious copyright complaints citing 1998 law led the search giant to make unfavorable articles vanish – Andrea Fuller, Kirsten Grind and Joe Palazzolo (DIERSEN: I should write a book about my critics/opponents a) who demonize, denigrate, and condemn my stressing the source, title, author, and hyperlink of articles in GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails and b) who do everything that they can to make the original work of others to look like is their own work.)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/google-dmca-copyright-claims-takedown-online-reputation-11589557001

BUSINESS INSIDER
— Losing the party conventions would hurt (seriously) – Anthony L. Fisher
https://www.businessinsider.com/losing-democratic-republican-political-conventions-would-hurt-seriously-2020-5

CHARLOTTE OBSERVER
— The Republican convention, 100 days out, looms as a lifeline to Charlotte businesses – JIM MORRILL AND AUSTIN WEINSTEIN
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/rnc-2020/article242745381.html

WBTV
— Republican National Committee chairwoman speaks about RNC plans with convention 100 days away – Alex Giles
https://www.wbtv.com/2020/05/16/republican-national-committee-chairwoman-speaks-about-rnc-plans-with-convention-days-away/

WFAE
— On Charlotte RNC, Trump Says Gov. Cooper Is ‘Playing Politics’ By Reopening Slowly – STEVE HARRISON
https://www.wfae.org/post/charlotte-rnc-trump-says-gov-cooper-playing-politics-reopening-slowly#stream/0

AMERICAN REPORTER
— Strong Immune System can help overcome the Covid 19 Virus
https://www.theamericanreporter.com/strong-immune-system-can-help-overcome-the-covid-19-virus-says-research/

ATLANTIC
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: A Trump-hater says “Trump Is Putting Himself at Risk for COVID-19. The president has faced greater exposure to the virus than he might let on.”
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2020/05/trump-risk-covid-19/611746/

JD SUPRA
— Age Is More Than A Number: Trends In Workforce Composition, Ageism, And Efforts To Address The Elephant In The Room – Fisher Phillips (DIERSEN: I should write a book about age discrimination. How soon, if not already, will employers and organizations officially adopt “up-or-out” policies for their employees and members who are Republican, White, male, and/or non-veteran? For example, will the Illinois Republican Party (IRP) officially adopt the following policy those who are White, male, and/or non-veteran: township/ward party organization officers must be under age 30, county party organization officers must be under age 35, IRP State Central Committee members must be under age 40, and IRP officers must be under age 50?)
https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/age-is-more-than-a-number-trends-in-89175/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Various factors have created a workplace phenomenon that is both underreported and underestimated: an aging workforce and increasing incidence of age discrimination. As people in this country are living longer, the cost of living continues to rise, and the pension model nears extinction, many older Americans continue to work well into their 70’s. Combine that with stereotypes borne of both bygone eras and the current tech-forward attitudes of the younger workforce, and the incidence of age-based discrimination in the workplace is increasing – though the problem is not typically viewed or treated as seriously as other forms of discrimination. Despite laws in place to protect older workers, many hurdles exist in identifying and addressing the issue.)

May 15 Evening Edition

ABC7
— Coronavirus Illinois: COVID-19 cases top 90K with over 4K deaths; GOP congressmen write angry letter responding to Pritzker funding comments Republican congressmen fire off letter after Pritzker says counties that don’t comply risk losing federal aid – Eric Horng, Stacey Baca and Sarah Schulte
https://abc7chicago.com/society/coronavirus-illinois-covid-19-cases-top-90k-with-over-4k-deaths/6186133/
— Chicago Reopening: Lightfoot warns churches, worshipers who plan to defy stay-at-home order through Sunday service – Evelyn Holmes
https://abc7chicago.com/community-events/mayor-lightfoot-warns-churches-who-plan-to-defy-illinois-stay-at-home-order/6186498/

NBC5
— 2,432 New Coronavirus Cases Reported in Illinois as Total Inches Closer to 100,000 There were also an additional 130 deaths
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/2432-new-coronavirus-cases-in-illinois-as-total-inches-closer-to-100000/2272805/
— Illinois GOP Agitates for Chance to Negotiate COVID-19 Reopening
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-politics/illinois-gop-agitates-for-chance-to-negotiate-covid-19-reopening/2272528/
— Unemployed, Business Owners File Suit Against Pritzker and Illinois, Seek Compensation The plaintiffs named in the lawsuit claimed their “livelihoods and income were taken for a public purpose”
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/unemployed-business-owners-file-suit-against-pritzker-and-illinois-seek-compensation/2272824/

CBS2
— Gov. JB Pritzker Urges Republican Critics To Stop ‘Pushing Stories’ About His Family’s Whereabouts; ‘There Are Threats To My Safety And To Their Safety’
https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2020/05/15/gov-jb-pritzker-urges-republican-critics-to-stop-pushing-stories-about-his-familys-whereabouts-there-are-threats-to-my-safety-and-to-their-safety/

WGN TV
— As retail sales plummet, Chicago small shops look to survive pandemic – AP
https://wgntv.com/chicago-news/as-retail-sales-plummet-chicago-small-shops-look-to-survive-pandemic/
— Critics of stay-at-home order want churches to reopen – Gaynor Hall
https://wgntv.com/chicago-news/critics-of-stay-at-home-order-want-churches-to-reopen/

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— Illinois surpasses 4,000 COVID-19 deaths and 90,000 cases statewide
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/illinois-surpasses-4000-covid-19-deaths-and-90000-cases-statewide

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Southland communities lay off, furlough staff as coronavirus pandemic craters revenue projections – ZAK KOESKE
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/ct-sta-municipal-impact-coronavirus-st-0517-20200516-4u6f4ebsrbd6lo4bedns522mxi-story.html
— State says COVID-19 testing expanded to include many workers who aren’t exhibiting symptoms – JAMIE MUNKS and RICK PEARSON
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-illinois-pritzker-testing-20200516-adn2oqzf6jbhvlvkfquqy5vebi-story.html
— Preckwinkle’s Cook County disaster proclamation could extend to Sept. 30: ‘The more time we give, the better’ – ALICE YIN
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-cook-county-preckwinkle-disaster-proclamation-20200515-crkchleuiraudhclatdday2uma-story.html

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Preckwinkle to seek extension of disaster proclamation until end of September — but one commissioner suggests it’s illegal Preckwinkle’s March 10 order is set to expire at the end of May, though, if approved by the board of commissioners at their May 21 meeting, the order could be extended through Sept. 30. – Rachel Hinton
https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2020/5/15/21260245/preckwinkle-extension-disaster-proclamation-september-morrison
— Everything must be on the table as city, state fight back from financial devastation With help from Congress at a standstill, Illinois and Chicago leaders will have to take painful measures, possibly including service cuts, furloughs, layoffs and changes in pensions – Editorial
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2020/5/15/21256032/illinois-chicago-government-finances-j-b-pritzker-lori-lightfoot-city-budget-coronavirus-economic
— Coronavirus now in 100 Illinois counties as state tops 4K deaths, 90K cases With 130 deaths reported on Friday, the state has lost 1,727 people so far in May and 4,058 overall. – Tina Sfondeles
https://chicago.suntimes.com/coronavirus/2020/5/15/21260348/illinois-coronavirus-pritzker-testing-cases-deaths-counties-may-15

DAILY HERALD
— Some Northwest suburbs ask to be split from Chicago in governor’s Restore Illinois plan – Eric Peterson
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200515/some-northwest-suburbs-ask-to-be-split-from-chicago-in-governors-restore-illinois-plan
— McHenry County Board members discuss salary reduction for elected officials – Kelli Duncan
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200515/mchenry-county-board-members-discuss-salary-reduction-for-elected-officials
— New committeeperson named for Republicans in Barrington Township
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200515/new-committeeperson-named-for-republicans-in-barrington-township
— Cook County is now the county with most COVID-19 cases in U.S.
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200515/sun-times-cook-county-is-now-the-county-with-most-covid-19-cases-in-us

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Lightfoot: Chicago staring down another $1 billion budget hole A year into office, the mayor faces a budget gap similar to what she started with, and there are fewer options to fill it. Without federal aid, “we are going to be in a world of hurt.” – A.D. QUIG and GREG HINZ
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/government/lightfoot-chicago-staring-down-another-1-billion-budget-hole
— Illinois sees some good news on the pandemic The rate of positive COVID tests continues to decrease, indicating fewer people are getting sick from the virus. – STEPHANIE GOLDBERG
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/government/illinois-sees-some-good-news-pandemic
— McDonald’s franchisees face steep costs to bring back dine-in The fast-food giant’s guidelines for reopening during the pandemic come with costs that burden operators. – DALTON BARKER
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/restaurants/mcdonalds-franchisees-face-steep-costs-bring-back-dine

QUAD CITY TIMES
— Census outreach ‘incredibly stymied’ by COVID-19 pandemic – JERRY NOWICKI
https://qctimes.com/business/census-outreach-incredibly-stymied-by-covid-19-pandemic/article_30472e26-ed0f-5867-9f6a-64c39b019e66.html

ALTON DAILY NEWS
— Illinois Unemployment Numbers Continue to Climb – Cole Lauterbach
http://altondailynews.com/news/details.cfm?id=304066#.Xr8OoiN_OM8

EFFINGHAM DAILY NEWS
— Pritzker’s graduated tax fails on all counts – Jim Nowlan
https://www.effinghamdailynews.com/opinion/columns/jim-nowlan-guest-columnist-pritzker-s-graduated-tax-fails-on-all-counts/article_f457fa1c-96ec-11ea-9bc2-6745501b967f.html

FOX ILLINOIS
— Coronavirus decimates state budgets, federal funding uncertain – Leandra Bernstein
https://foxillinois.com/news/connect-to-congress/coronavirus-decimates-state-budgets-federal-funding-uncertain
— Pandemic planning becomes political weapon as deaths mount – AP
https://foxillinois.com/news/nation-world/pandemic-planning-becomes-political-weapon-as-deaths-mount

CENTER SQUARE
— Illinois GOP Congressmen ask Washington to protect local aid from Pritzker threats over orders – Cole Lauterbach
https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/illinois-gop-congressmen-ask-washington-to-protect-local-aid-from-pritzker-threats-over-orders/article_25835954-96ef-11ea-bbd9-efbef4b24a36.html

ILLINOIS LEAKS
— Rep Bailey’s Clay Co. case v. Gov Pritzker to stay in Clay Co. – JOHN KRAFT
https://edgarcountywatchdogs.com/2020/05/rep-baileys-clay-co-case-v-gov-pritzker-to-stay-in-clay-co/
— You have the key to open your doors, not the Government – Know your rights – KIRK ALLEN
https://edgarcountywatchdogs.com/2020/05/you-have-the-key-to-open-your-doors-not-the-government-know-your-rights/

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— ORLAND PARK MAYOR CALLS FOR REDRAWING OF “RESTORE ILLINOIS” COVID PLAN’S REGIONAL BOUNDARIES
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/orland-park-mayor-calls-for-redrawing-of-restore-illinois-covid-plans-regional-boundaries.html
— H.R. 6666 – A Devilish Surveillance Plot – Kathy Valente
https://illinoisfamily.org/federal/h-r-6666/
— GOP STATE LAWMAKERS PROPOSE LIMIT ON GOVERNOR 30-DAY DISASTER DECLARATIONS
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/gop-state-lawmakers-propose-limit-on-governor-30-day-disaster-declarations.html
— THORNER/INGOLD: IF WE OPEN, WILL THEY COME?
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/thorneringold-if-we-open-businesses-will-they-come.html
— CONGRESS SHOULD PREVENT GOVS FROM KEEPING FEDERAL FUNDS FROM LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES, IL DELEGATION SAYS
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/congress-should-prevent-govs-from-keeping-federal-funds-from-local-municipalities-il-delegation-says.html

CAPITOL FAX
— 2,432 new cases, 130 additional deaths
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/15/2432-new-cases-130-additional-deaths/
— Pritzker announces expanded testing – Talks about positivity rates – Warns people in QC to be careful about Iowa – Says he’s at home in Chicago – Wife and daughter were in Florida before stay at home order and stayed there – Says wife and daughter are “home now” – Regarding Georgia, it takes weeks to see changes after opening up – Explains why charter boat tours are still banned – Regarding letter from GOP congressmen: “They’re missing the point” – Still waiting to see if antibody tests are accurate – On a path to more testing in every region – Addresses Naperville Park District lawsuit threat – Says family was in Wisconsin at “working farm” – Claims GOP is “putting my children and my family in danger” – Governor’s office clarifies that family is in Chicago now – Discouraging use of ABS rapid tests until FDA guidance issued
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/15/pritzker-announces-expanded-testing/
— COVID-19 roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/15/covid-19-roundup-39/
— Duckworth to interview for veep spot
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/15/duckworth-to-interview-for-veep-spot/
— Unprecedented economic carnage
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/15/unprecedented-economic-carnage/
— Some Eastern Bloc members say they won’t wear face masks during session, but they won’t be allowed inside
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/15/some-eastern-bloc-members-say-they-wont-wear-face-masks-during-session-but-they-wont-be-allowed-inside/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— ‘The founders would be ashamed’: Kevin McCarthy slams new remote Congress rules – Susan Ferrechio
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/congress/the-founders-would-be-ashamed-mccarthy-slams-new-remote-congress-rules

FEDERALIST
— 100,000 Businesses Have Permanently Collapsed Under Pandemic Lockdowns – Tristan Justice
https://thefederalist.com/2020/05/15/100000-businesses-have-permanently-collapsed-under-pandemic-lockdowns/

NEW YORK TIMES
— J.C. Penney, 118-Year-Old Department Store, Files for Bankruptcy The chain’s move came after J. Crew and the Neiman Marcus Group filed, and represented the biggest casualty amid retail closures tied to the coronavirus pandemic. – Sapna Maheshwari and Michael Corkery
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/15/business/jc-penney-bankruptcy-coronavirus.html

WASHINGTON POST
— Wondering what’s safe as states start to reopen? Here’s what some public health experts say. – Katherine Shaver
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/wondering-whats-safe-as-states-start-to-reopen-heres-what-some-public-health-experts-say/2020/05/14/9e684e3c-949d-11ea-91d7-cf4423d47683_story.html

May 15 Morning Edition

ABC7
— Biden says he would not pardon Trump, block investigations; ‘it’s a dereliction of duty’ – AP
https://abc7chicago.com/politics/biden-says-he-would-not-pardon-trump-block-investigations/6185248/?cmp=emc-wls-news-headlines-5/15/2020

CBS2
— Gov. JB Pritzker Seeks Change Of Venue For Rep. Darren Bailey’s Lawsuit Challenging Stay-At-Home Order
https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2020/05/15/gov-jb-pritzker-seeks-change-of-venue-for-rep-darren-baileys-lawsuit-challenging-stay-at-home-order/
— Working For Chicago: Northwestern University Experts Launching Effort To Help Struggling Evanston Businesses – Lauren Victory (DIERSEN: Who do your critics/opponents promote as being experts? I should write a book about my critics/opponents and who they promote as being experts. I would focus on my critics/opponents who promote themselves, promote my critics/opponents, promote their operatives, and promote their dupes as being experts in deciding what articles should be brought to the attention of Illinois Republicans, and more specifically, to the attention of Illinois Republican Precinct Committeemen/Captains. I would focus on my critics/opponents who hold leadership positions in the Illinois Republican Party, DuPage County Republican Central Committee, and Milton Township Republican Organization who do not want me to include links to articles in GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails that promote Trump or promote the traditional family, right to life, immigration, Second Amendment, illegal drugs, or equal opportunity (no race or gender based preference giving) planks in the Republican Party platform.)
https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2020/05/15/working-for-chicago-northwestern-university-experts-launching-effort-to-help-struggling-evanston-businesses/

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— ‘Grandstanding’ by Grand Old Party? Or is Pritzker masking his decisions? GOP lawmakers said they will wear face coverings and follow other safety measures when they return to Springfield, but they want to put Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s “Restore Illinois” plan under the microscope. – Neal Earley
https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2020/5/14/21259401/grandstanding-republican-pritzker-brady-springfield-hearing-covid-19-coronavirus-restore-illinois
— COVID-19 test shortage forces Chicago area clinics to halt curbside testing Physicians Immediate Care centers website said because of a lack of tests, “we are currently unable to test for COVID-19 in Illinois.” – Lynn Sweet and Tom Schuba
https://chicago.suntimes.com/coronavirus/2020/5/14/21259211/covid19-test-shortage-phsyicians-immediate-care-curbside-illinois-trump

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Chicago area now on track to move to next phase of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s reopening plan on May 29 – Dan Petrella
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-illinois-pritzker-20200515-r7wvb5w7qvh65btlcxldwnbony-story.html
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: A Trump-hater says “Some want the economy flung open. Wake up. COVID-19’s no hoax.”
https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/commentary/ct-opinion-coronavirus-hoax-rauner-pritzker-greising-20200514-mis5cqnsgjgypiocrj2elqgata-story.html

DAILY HERALD
— Kane County Republicans launch Community Care Package events May 16 – Jim Oberweis
https://www.dailyherald.com/submitted/20200515/kane-county-republicans-launch-community-care-package-events-may-16
— How ‘OK, Boomer’ Is Holding You Back – Tim Jipping (DIERSEN: I should write a book about those who promote age discrimination. I would focus on those who have lots of religious, government, political, and/or financial clout and hold leadership positions in Wheaton, Milton Township, DuPage County, Illinois, Wheaton Chamber of Commerce, Milton Township Republican Organization, DuPage County Republican Central Committee, Illinois Republican Party, etc. I would focus on those who are over age 40 and who paint themselves as being religious, conservative, and/or Republican. I would focus on those who focus on getting rid of older people who are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, White, male, non-poor, gun owners, German American, draft avoiders, and/or those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
https://www.dailyherald.com/business/20200514/how-ok-boomer-is-holding-you-back

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— A record plunge for retail sales Revenue at retailers and restaurants fell 16.4% in April from the prior month, almost double the 8.3% drop in March.
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/retail/record-plunge-retail-sales

WTTW
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Democrats hint/imply/argue/shout that if Clinton had been elected, that is, if Democrats ran the Executive Branch, there would be no coronavirus problems.
https://news.wttw.com/2020/05/13/federal-government-sends-cotton-baby-swabs-illinois

WBEZ
— DePaul University Students Are Suing For Tuition Refunds After COVID-19 Shutdown Students argue they’re receiving a lesser education with online classes and should get a partial tuition refund. – Kate McGee
https://www.wbez.org/stories/depaul-university-students-are-suing-for-tuition-refunds-after-covid-19-shutdown/80240207-fcc3-4133-a700-a812aa080550

SPRINGFIELD STATE JOURNAL REGISTER
— House Republicans say they’re not being given virus information – Doug Finke
https://www.sj-r.com/news/20200514/house-republicans-say-theyrsquore-not-being-given-virus-information
— FROM THE LETTER: “Corruption was so egregious the Tribune had to reveal that in order to get a job in county government applicants had to complete a form provided by the county GOP, not the county government.” DIERSEN: My critics/opponents promote patronage. GAO hired me in 1980 because it could not find a qualified Democrat, minority, female, younger person, or veteran who would take the job. IRS hired me in 1971 because it could not find a qualified Democrat, minority, female, or veteran who would take the job. The Post Office hired me in 1966 because it could not find a qualified Democrat, minority, female, or veteran who would take the job.
https://www.sj-r.com/opinion/20200515/letter-corruption-not-limited-to-chicago

CHAMPAIGN/URBANA NEWS GAZETTE
— What’s fraud, and what’s not? – Editorial (DIERSEN: I became a) CPA in 1979 when I was 30 years old, b) Certified Internal Auditor in 1981, c) licensed CPA in 1981, d) Certified Fraud Examiner in 1990, e) Certified Government Financial Manager in 1994, f) Certified Financial Services Auditor in 1996, and g) Forensic Accountant in 1997. I worked for IRS 1971-1980, the last 5 1/2 years of which at the GS-12 Step 1-5 levels currently $85,084-$96,431 and for GAO 1980-1997, the last 11 years of which at the GS-13 Step 1-10 levels, currently $101,176-$131,532.)
https://www.news-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-what-s-fraud-and-what-s-not/article_d341ed48-d364-5e9a-9ef6-7f0366aca148.html

BELLEVILLE NEWS DEMOCRAT
— County encourages reopening despite Illinois rules. Edwardsville businesses take a pass. – TERI MADDOX
https://www.bnd.com/news/coronavirus/article242717036.html

SUBURBAN LIFE
— Webinar to focus on COVID-19’s impact on DuPage County
https://www.mysuburbanlife.com/2020/05/14/webinar-to-focus-on-covid-19s-impact-on-dupage-county/a5vi4k6/

FOX NEWS ILLINOIS
— Pelosi, GOP exchange barbs over new economic relief package – AP
https://foxillinois.com/news/coronavirus/pelosi-gop-exchange-barbs-over-new-economic-relief-package
— 36 million have sought US unemployment aid since virus hit – AP
https://foxillinois.com/news/nation-world/millions-more-people-likely-sought-us-jobless-aid-last-week

NPR ILLINOIS
— Contact Tracing Apps May Soon Be Coming To A Phone Near You. What’s At Stake For Illinoisans? – SAM DUNKLAU
https://www.nprillinois.org/post/contact-tracing-apps-may-soon-be-coming-phone-near-you-whats-stake-illinoisans#stream/0

WAND
— Gov. Pritzker asks for change of venue in Darren Bailey lawsuit
https://www.wandtv.com/news/gov-pritzker-asks-for-change-of-venue-in-darren-bailey-lawsuit/article_069c4622-9659-11ea-96ae-7fae8f2b0daf.html

AURORA PATCH
— Oberweis calls for lawmaker input into Governor’s re-opening plan The Governor’s plan to re-open Illinois needs the input of all of the state’s diverse regions, says Senator Oberweis
https://patch.com/illinois/aurora/oberweis-calls-lawmaker-input-governors-re-opening-plan

BOLINGBROOK PATCH
— Cannabis DUI’s Present Problems for Illinois Motorists The methods to identify and test drivers who are impaired from cannabis use makes cannabis DUI’s more problematic than alcohol DUI’s. – Nicholas Carrescia,
https://patch.com/illinois/bolingbrook/cannabis-duis-present-problems-illinois-motorists

BURR RIDGE PATCH
— Burr Ridge Mayor Says Pritzker Being ‘Unfair’ Mayor Gary Grasso is taking high-profile role in push to reopen suburbs quicker than Chicago. – David Giuliani
https://patch.com/illinois/burrridge/burr-ridge-mayor-says-pritzker-being-unfair

GENEVA PATCH
— Kane County Republicans Launch Community Care Package Community Care Package will be Saturday, May 16 – Travis Akin
https://patch.com/illinois/geneva/kane-county-republicans-launch-community-care-package

ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE
— OPPOSITION TO PRITZKER’S LOCKDOWN SPREADING RAPIDLY – Brad Weisenstein
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/opposition-to-pritzkers-lockdown-spreading-rapidly/

ILLINOIS REVIEW
— ‘THE 1619 PROJECT’ TELLS A FALSE STORY ABOUT CAPITALISM, TOO
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/the-1619-project-tells-a-false-story-about-capitalism-too.html
— FREE SPEECH ALLIANCE: FACEBOOK OVERSIGHT BOARD IS PACKED WITH LIBERALS
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/free-speech-alliance-facebook-oversight-board-is-packed-with-liberals.html
— HOW PLANNED PARENTHOOD IS BENEFITING FROM COVID-19 PANDEMIC
https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2020/05/how-planned-parenthood-is-benefiting-from-covid-19-pandemic.html

CAPITOL FAX
— Illinois Republican delegation launches another broadside against Pritzker
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/15/illinois-republican-delegation-launches-another-broadside-against-pritzker/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Tammy Duckworth’s unique political profile may not be enough to earn Biden vice presidential slot – Naomi Lim (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, Duckworth uses her “unique political profile” to promote hatred against individuals, organizations, companies, governments, and counties that are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, Republican, White, male, older, non-poor, gun owners, German American, draft avoiders, those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time, etc.)
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/tammy-duckworths-unique-political-profile-may-not-be-enough-to-earn-biden-vice-presidential-slot

CNS NEWS
— Biden’s First Day As President? Pathway to Citizenship (and Jobs) for All Illegal Aliens – Susan Jones (DIERSEN: Democrats want immigrants because they vote for Democrats. RINOs want immigrants because RINOs want cheap labor.)
https://www.cnsnews.com/article/national/susan-jones/bidens-first-day-president-pathway-citizenship-and-jobs-all-illegal

LIFE SITE NEWS
— Washington gov: Those who don’t cooperate with ‘contact tracers’ and tests not allowed to leave home – Doug Mainwaring
https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/washington-gov-those-who-dont-cooperate-with-contact-tracers-and-tests-not-allowed-to-leave-home

NATIONAL REVIEW
— Despite Lockdown, Planned Parenthood Opens New Illinois Clinic – ALEXANDRA DESANCTIS
https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/despite-lockdown-planned-parenthood-opens-new-illinois-clinic/

POLITICO
— State, local governments slash services as demand rises – ELEANOR MUELLER and KELLIE MEJDRICH
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/05/13/state-local-governments-slash-services-256212

ASSOCIATED PRESS
— Coronavirus Pandemic Has Grounded Presidential Campaigns, Political Operatives Turns To The Internet The coronavirus has ground the presidential campaigns of Joe Biden and Donald Trump to a near halt. For many years, political operatives have been perfecting their use of the internet’s vast array of social media platforms. (DIERSEN: I should write a book about my critics/opponents, their operatives, and their dupes. I would focus on those who focus on a) discouraging me from sending out GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails and b) discouraging everyone from reading those emails.)
https://www.republicworld.com/world-news/us-news/amid-pandemic-campaigning-turns-to-the-internet.html

NEW YORK TIMES
— As Pandemic Wrecks Budgets, States Cut and Borrow to Balance Books The White House threatens to veto a $3 trillion pandemic relief bill, and a study suggests that even talking can propel the droplets that spread the virus.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/14/us/coronavirus-news-updates.html
— U.S. Retail Sales Plunge 16 Percent Retail sales in the U.S. fell 16.4 percent in April, for the biggest two-month decline on record.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/15/business/stock-market-today-coronavirus.html
— The Pandemic Will Permanently Change the Auto Industry – Jack Ewing (DIERSEN: Will there be less hatred of Ford and GM?)
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/13/business/auto-industry-pandemic.html

WASHINGTON POST
— Q&A: What is ‘unmasking,’ who does it and why – Shane Harris (DIERSEN: I should write a book about my Democrat superiors, supervisors, coworkers, and subordinates in the federal government who focused on unmasking me as being a Republican, Missouri Synod Lutheran, 100% German American, draft avoider, conservative, Corvette owner since 1971, real estate owner since 1972, Crete resident 1948-1972, Wheaton resident since 1978, gun owner, someone who had retirement savings, someone whose ancestors have been in America since 1844, someone who had claimed partial day per diem, someone who had deducted educational expenses, etc. Of course, my Democrat superiors, supervisors, coworkers, and subordinates used the aforesaid against me.)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/qanda-what-is-unmasking-who-does-it-and-why/2020/05/14/ae254782-95ea-11ea-91d7-cf4423d47683_story.html
— A majority of Americans going to work fear exposing their household to the coronavirus – Tim Craig and Emily Guskin (DIERSEN: Everyone should expect that Democrats and Democrat plants, Libertarians and Libertarian plants, Greens and Green plants, and RINOs will use fear of coronavirus to destroy Republican organizations.)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/a-majority-of-americans-going-to-work-fear-exposing-their-household-to-the-coronavirus/2020/05/15/d316f1e8-9578-11ea-9f5e-56d8239bf9ad_story.html

USA TODAY
— Don’t sugarcoat news. Tell the truth. Don’t over-reassure. Lessons for those leading during coronavirus. – Nicole Carroll
https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2020/05/15/coronavirus-expert-michael-osterholm-urges-leaders-tell-truth-pandemic-far-from-over/3120635001/

STAR HERALD
— Worrisome Trends Affecting Representative Democracy – LEE H. HAMILTON (DIERSEN: Ever-increasingly, Republican-haters use democracy to get rid of individuals, organizations, and companies that are Trump supporters, Protestant, conservative, patriotic, Republican, American, White, male, older, non-poor, gun owners, German American, draft avoiders, and/or those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time.)
https://www.starherald.com/opinion/columnists/syndicated/lee-h-hamilton-worrisome-trends-affecting-representative-democracy/article_32b6706d-e2c7-5bf9-9513-c746aef79341.html

WALL STREET JOURNAL
— Coronavirus Lockdowns Trigger Record Spending Drops on Shopping, Eating Out April U.S. retail sales are expected to show biggest monthly drop on record – Harriet Torry
https://www.wsj.com/articles/coronavirus-lockdowns-trigger-record-spending-drops-on-shopping-eating-out-11589535000
— Economic Shock of Virus Hit Lower-Income Households Harder, Fed Finds About a third of those who had lost a job or had their hours cut said they couldn’t cover their expenses for the month – David Harrison
https://www.wsj.com/articles/economic-shock-of-virus-hit-lower-income-households-harder-fed-finds-11589472735
— Coronavirus Employment Shock Hits Women Harder Than Men Women are more likely to work in vulnerable sectors like retailing and personal care – Sarah Chaney and Lauren Weber (DIERSEN: While I worked for the federal government for almost 30 years (as a part-time carrier/clerk for the Post Office 1966-1969, as a Revenue Officer for IRS 1971-1980, and as an Analyst for GAO 1980-1997), my superiors were frustrated in their tremendous efforts to hire and to retain qualified women because qualified women a) viewed federal employment as being bad, b) viewed the aforesaid jobs as being bad, and c) could get better paying jobs in the private sector.)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/coronavirus-employment-shock-hits-women-harder-than-men-11589535002
— McDonald’s Sets Conditions for Restaurant Reopenings To ease coronavirus concerns, fast-food chain suggests closing public soda fountains and issues cleaning instructions in 59-page guide – Heather Haddon
https://www.wsj.com/articles/mcdonalds-sets-conditions-for-restaurant-reopenings-11589466556
— Don’t Stand So Close to Me: AI Cameras Police Social Distancing at Work Coronavirus concerns lead companies to repurpose sensors that monitor office space, but privacy experts worry about mission creep – Parmy Olson
https://www.wsj.com/articles/dont-stand-so-close-to-me-ai-cameras-police-social-distancing-at-work-11589452202
— Doctors Fret as Coronavirus Keeps Heart, Stroke Patients Away From ER Fewer patients seeking help for emergency treatments and regular conditions raises concerns about long-term health – Denise Roland, Ian Lovett and Sarah Toy
https://www.wsj.com/articles/doctors-fret-over-lower-er-attendance-during-pandemic-11589454002
— Coronavirus Finishes the Retail Reckoning That Amazon Started Thousands of stores will close permanently as the Covid-19 pandemic turbocharges a shift to e-commerce – Suzanne Kapner and Sarah Nassauer
https://www.wsj.com/articles/coronavirus-finishes-the-retail-reckoning-that-amazon-started-11589459920

FORBES
— Back To The Office: How To Keep Anxious Workers Safe And Happy After Coronavirus – Josie Cox (DIERSEN: Everyone should expect that Democrats and Democrat plants, Libertarians and Libertarian plants, Greens and Green plants, and RINOs will use fear of coronavirus to destroy Republican organizations.)
https://www.forbes.com/sites/josiecox/2020/05/15/back-to-the-work-workers-safe-happy-after-coronavirus-covid/#757c0a401a4d

AMERICAN INDEPENDENT
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Ever-increasing, Democrats and Democrat plants, Libertarians and Libertarian plants, Greens and Green plants, and RINOs make it clear that they use governments, political organizations, chambers of commerce, etc. to destroy you if you do not promote LGBTQ activity. I should write a book about Democrats and Democrat plants, Libertarians and Libertarian plants, Greens and Green plants, and RINOs in Wheaton, Milton Township, DuPage County, and Illinois who ever-increasingly focus on destroying individuals, organizations, companies, and governments that do not promote LGBTQ activity.
https://americanindependent.com/greg-gianforte-family-research-council-endorsement-hate-group-lgbtq-house-gop-montana/

WINDY CITY TIMES
— Biden camp gears up for ‘unprecedented’ campaign – Matt Simonette (DIERSEN: Of course, to elect Biden, LGBTQ activists will focus on destroying those individuals, organizations, companies, governments, and countries that do not promote LGBTQ activity.)
http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/Biden-camp-gears-up-for-unprecedented-campaign-/68540.html

JD SUPRA
— DISGUSTING, TRAGIC: Cannabis Industry Keeps Hiring Amid COVID-19
https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/cannabis-industry-keeps-hiring-amid-26145/
— Returning to Work (While Social Distancing): Top Considerations for US Employers (DIERSEN: How soon, if not already, will employers and organizations use coronavirus to get rid of their employees and members once and for all who are a) older, b) obese, c) have underlying conditions including diabetes, d) etc.?)
https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/returning-to-work-while-social-68475/

ECONOMIC TIMES
— How organizations communicate with employees becomes more important during a crisis – Abhishek Tyagi and Dr Prachi Bhatt (DIERSEN: Are you a Republican Precinct Committeeman/Captain? If so, what emails have you received during the last week and month from the following: a) the chairman of your Republican township/ward party organization, b) the chairman of your Republican county party organization, c) your representative on the Illinois Republican Party (IRP) State Central Committee, and d) the chairman of the IRP? What do the aforesaid want you to know? Which of your fellow Republican Precinct Committeemen/Captains do the aforesaid promote?)
https://hr.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/workplace-4-0/employee-engagement/how-organizations-communicate-with-employees-becomes-more-important-during-a-crisis/75750507

SUN
— STAY SAFE Coronavirus high risk groups – from diabetes to obesity, the people most vulnerable to Covid-19 – Hana Carter (DIERSEN: How soon, if not already, will employers and organizations use coronavirus to get rid of their employees and members once and for all who are a) older, b) obese, c) have underlying conditions including diabetes, d) etc.?)
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/11259120/coronavirus-high-risk-obesity-old-diabetes-who-vulnerable/
(FROM THE ARTICLE: According to the Government website, people aged 70 or older, regardless of their health, are deemed as high risk. Those with chronic respiratory diseases, chronic heart disease, or people who are severely overweight or with a weakened immune system from conditions such as HIV and Aids are also on the list. Obesity has become a major issue as the fight against coronavirus has worn on as it exacerbates symptoms, making fighting the infection ten times harder for those with a BMI over 30 like the PM. New research has found that being obese doubles the risk of needing hospital treatment for coronavirus. It is also known to exacerbate other risk factors like diabetes and heart disease as well as putting excess weight on the diaphragm which makes breathing harder too. There is also a category deemed as extremely vulnerable. Those listed include people who have recently had an organ transplant, people with cancer who are undergoing active chemotherapy or radiotherapy and people with cancer of the bone. Using the Government website, we have pulled together both high risk and extremely vulnerable lists.)

May 14 Evening Edition

ABC7
— Coronavirus Illinois: COVID-19 cases top 87K with over 3.9K deaths; All Illinois regions poised to move to next phase of reopening, Pritzker says Illinois reports 3,239 new COVID-19 cases, 138 deaths on May 14 – Jessica D’Onofrio
https://abc7chicago.com/society/all-illinois-regions-poised-to-move-to-next-phase-of-reopening-pritzker-says/6181604/
— Coronavirus Chicago: Willie Wilson voices support for 100 churches to reopen Sunday in defiance of stay-at-home order – Jessica D’Onofrio
https://abc7chicago.com/health/willie-wilson-voices-support-for-100-churches-to-reopen-sunday-in-defiance-of-stay-at-home-order/6181687/?cmp=emc-wls-news-headlines-5/14/2020
— Coronavirus drives sharp rise in food prices at grocery stores in April
https://abc7chicago.com/food/grocery-store-prices-rose-sharply-in-april-from-covid-19-pandemic/6183211/

NBC5
— 3,239 New Coronavirus Cases, 138 Additional Deaths Reported in Illinois The numbers lift statewide totals to 87,937 cases and 3,928 deaths
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/3239-new-coronavirus-cases-in-illinois/2272151/
— All Regions in Illinois Now on Track to Move to Phase 3 at End of May, Pritzker Says No region can officially move forward until May 29, under the parameters of the governor’s plan
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/all-regions-in-illinois-now-on-track-to-move-to-phase-3-at-end-of-may-pritzker-says/2272206/

FOX NEWS CHICAGO
— Illinois nearing 4,000 coronavirus deaths
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/illinois-nearing-4000-coronavirus-deaths

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Illinois Tollway collections down $52 million in April due to pandemic – Mary Wisniewski
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-illinois-tollway-52-million-loss-20200513-s7kcoueacjhrpm4w74cpn4y4sq-story.html
— Chicago-area transit may look different this summer, with social distancing and the end of rush hour – Mary Wisniewski
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-transit-future-cta-metra-pace-masks-crowds-20200514-of35kwsm7vazjiga4356mzl72y-story.html
— As House readies vote on coronavirus package with second stimulus checks, some lawmakers push for guaranteed income programs – CATIE EDMONDSON
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-nw-nyt-congress-coronavirus-stimulus-checks-20200514-pmdses3xljgevfbywbmharveoq-story.html
— Preckwinkle unveils COVID-19 recovery plan for Cook County focusing on racial equity – ALICE YIN (DIERSEN: To promote racial and gender equity, my Democrat superiors in the federal government a) gave preference to their Democrat employees who were minority, female, and/or younger and b) got rid of their Republican employees who were White, male, older, and/or non-veteran.)
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-cook-county-preckwinkle-recovery-plan-coronavirus-20200514-x2vahslxbbdzhmgopiegxq2k4u-story.html

DAILY HERALD
— Illinois GOP agitates for chance to negotiate COVID-19 re-opening – AP
https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20200514/news/305149944/
— Chicago, suburbs hit testing milestone, on track to ease stay-at-home restrictions – Marni Pyke
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200514/chicago-suburbs-hit-testing-milestone-on-track-to-ease-stay-at-home-restrictions-
— Suburban pastors expect excitement, caution with reopenings – Bob Susnjara
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200514/suburban-pastors-expect-excitement-caution-with-reopenings
— Kane sheriff: Deputies need judge’s order to enforce governor’s orders – Harry Hitzeman
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200514/kane-sheriff-deputies-need-judgess-order-to-enforce-governors-orders
— Batavia preparing for anticipated revenue shortfall due to coronavirus pandemic – Lauren Rohr
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200514/batavia-preparing-for-anticipated-revenue-shortfall-due-to-coronavirus-pandemic
— Elmhurst Park District facing furloughs, lost revenue from pandemic – Bob Smith
https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20200514/elmhurst-park-district-facing-furloughs-lost-revenue-from-pandemic
— Trump: Virus shows supply chains should be moved from China – AP
https://www.dailyherald.com/business/20200514/trump-virus-shows-supply-chains-should-be-moved-from-china

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS
— Chicago’s on track to move to next phase of recovery on May 29, Pritzker says Limited reopening of stores, offices, gyms and hair salons will occur if health numbers hold up—and if Lightfoot doesn’t impose tougher rules for the city. – GREG HINZ
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/greg-hinz-politics/chicagos-track-move-next-phase-recovery-may-29-pritzker-says
— The cap on SALT deductions is back on the agenda in D.C. Tucked into Pelosi’s big $3 trillion COVID-relief bill is a clause to drop the $10,000 federal cap on deductions for state and local taxes for the next two years, a hot topic ever since the GOP passed it in a previous Congress. – GREG HINZ
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/greg-hinz-politics/cap-salt-deductions-back-agenda-dc

WBEZ
— Chicago Teachers Union Calls On State To Force CPS To Bargain Over Remote Learning The union says state rules require the school district to bargain about instruction from home. Mayor Lori Lightfoot has already said no. – Sarah Karp
https://www.wbez.org/stories/chicago-teachers-union-calls-on-state-to-force-cps-to-bargain-over-remote-learning/2b25266f-1b23-46d8-93f3-7db3bee26711

SOUTHERN
— Republicans push for revisions to ‘Restore Illinois’ plan – PETER HANCOCK
https://thesouthern.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/republicans-push-for-revisions-to-restore-illinois-plan/article_bf14d217-2488-53d4-bfb8-6d7e0a1f24d2.html

ALTON TELEGRAPH
— County action on reopening brings political responses – Scott Cousins
https://www.thetelegraph.com/news/article/County-action-on-reopening-brings-political-15271216.php

NPR ILLINOIS
— With School Buildings Closed, Children’s Mental Health Is Suffering – ANYA KAMENETZ
https://www.nprillinois.org/post/school-buildings-closed-childrens-mental-health-suffering#stream/0

CHICAGO READER
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: White-haters use coronavirus to promote hatred against Whites.
https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/covid-death-racial-disparity/Content?oid=79884746&mc_cid=c588c4801b&mc_eid=c968c7978e

WILL COUNTY NEWS
— Federal Lawsuit filed against Governor Jay Robert Pritzker in his official capacity and the State of Illinois – Steve Balich
https://thewillcountynews.com/install/index.php/2020/05/13/federal-lawsuit-filed-against-governor-jay-robert-pritzker-in-his-official-capacity-and-the-state-of-illinois/

CENTER SQUARE
— Lawmakers expect pandemic special session to be a ‘rodeo’ Aside from state budget, Illinois lawmakers expected to take up expanded to take up mail-in voting possible but not check on executive authority – Greg Bishop
https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/lawmakers-expect-pandemic-special-session-to-be-a-rodeo/article_bfd419fc-9547-11ea-bc5e-af4c3238930d.html

WIREPOINTS
— Facing Growing Defiance, Pritzker Thumbs Nose at AG Opinion, Insults and Threatens Dissidents – Mark Glennon
https://wirepoints.org/facing-growing-defiance-pritzker-thumbs-nose-at-ag-opinion-insults-and-threatens-dissidents-wirepoints/
— COVID-19 deaths and pre-existing conditions. What Illinois’ data says about who’s at risk. – Ted Dabrowski and John Klingner
https://wirepoints.org/covid-19-deaths-and-pre-existing-conditions-what-illinois-data-says-about-whos-at-risk-wirepoints/

CAPITOL FAX
— Another 3 million Americans, 73,000 Illinoisans apply for unemployment insurance
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/14/another-3-million-americans-73000-illinoisans-apply-for-unemployment-insurance/
— Bailey files new lawsuit based on informal 2001 AG opinion
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/14/bailey-files-new-lawsuit-based-on-informal-2001-ag-opinion/
— Illinois Sheriffs’ Association: “It is outrageous that the Governor is threatening retaliation”
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/14/illinois-sheriffs%e2%80%99-association-it-is-outrageous-that-the-governor-is-threatening-retaliation/
— Pritzker talks unemployment insurance – As of right now, all regions are meeting guidelines to move forward to Phase 3 – Explains regionalization approach – Restates possible licensure and legal consequences – Says Leader Brady demand “sounds like grandstanding” – Brady responds – Answers “loaded” question – Explains rolling averages – Business guidance coming in next two weeks or so – Dr. Ezike comments on 12-year-old boy who died – Dr. Ezike says she has no info on reopen protesters catching virus – Dr. Ezike says people can refuse hospital admission – Asked about hospital rumor – Pritzker says he’d like to go to Springfield, but waiting on medical sign-off – Dr. Ezike explains that increased testing will result in increased cases – Dr. Ezike says woman who gave birth and died after being sent home a “significant tragedy” and vows probe – Dr. Ezike comments on WHO official claim that virus may never go away – Dr. Ezike explains mental health treatment options – Governor talks budget process moving forward – Revenue projections have not changed “a whole lot” – Could be population shift, but maybe not because of virus – Believes EO is on solid legal footing – Explains why Illinois has 28-day metric – Praises Catholic Church reopening plan, is working with other denominations – “It’s just the very loud voices of people who are being defiant and ignoring science and data”
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/14/pritzker-talks-unemployment-insurance-as-of-right-now-all-regions-are-meeting-guidelines-to-move-forward-to-phase-3/
— 3,239 new cases, 138 additional deaths
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/14/3239-new-cases-138-additional-deaths/
— COVID-19 roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2020/05/14/covid-19-roundup-38/

CONSERVATIVE HQ
— There’s No Proof Killing The Economy Saves Lives
http://www.conservativehq.com/node/32513

NEWSMAX
— Total Virus Layoffs Hit 36.5M as About 3M More Workers Seek Jobless Aid
https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/jobless-claims-pandemic-virus/2020/05/14/id/967370/

THE HILL
— Trump says testing may be ‘frankly overrated’ – BRETT SAMUELS AND JESSIE HELLMANN
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/497846-trump-says-testing-may-be-frankly-overrated


— Ousted health official warns US needs national plan to beat coronavirus – NATHANIEL WEIXEL
https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/497766-ousted-health-official-warns-us-needs-national-strategy-to-combat

POLITICO
— DIERSEN HEADLINE: Trump-haters say “‘They are angry:’ Pandemic and economic collapse slam Trump across Rust Belt. Coronavirus infections and unemployment filings are spiraling in parts of the industrial Midwest where Donald Trump cleaned up in 2016.”
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/05/14/coronavirus-economic-collapse-rust-belt-trump-259657

BLOOMBERG
— U.S. Jobless Claims in Millions Again, Higher Than Expected – Katia Dmitrieva
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-05-14/u-s-jobless-claims-remain-in-millions-for-eighth-straight-week

RASMUSSEN REPORTS
— 23% of Republicans Think GOP Should Nominate Someone Other Than Trump (DIERSEN: What do you say to Republican candidates who hint/imply/argue/shout that they are one or more of the following: anti-Trump, anti-Protestant, anti-conservative, anti-White, anti-male, anti-older people, anti-rich people, anti-gun owners, anti-German Americans, anti-draft avoiders, and/or anti-those whose ancestors have been in America for a long time?)
https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections/election_2020/23_of_republicans_think_gop_should_nominate_someone_other_than_trump